Family-owned Pinelog appoints sales administrator
Jessica Blaney has joined Chesterfield-based Pinelog Limited as a sales administrator, bringing over 15 years’ experience within construction and sales administration to Pinelog.
In her new role, Jessica will be supporting Pinelog’s busy sales team in managing customer enquiries and ensuring a seamless experience for clients from their initial contact through to the completion of their luxury timber lodge purchase.
Jessica joins Pinelog from the hospitality industry where she worked as a General Manager. Prior to working in hospitality Jessica worked for a large building material supplier of sustainable materials for 14 years. The role at Pinelog has enabled Jessica to return to an industry she knows and loves as well as have a better work life balance now that she has a young daughter.
She said: “The job role at Pinelog sounded amazing and was exactly what I was looking for. Pinelog is a fantastic family-run local business, and it’s wonderful to be part of a tight-knit team again. I’m absolutely loving it. It’s a great environment to work in.”
Nick Grayson, Chairman of Pinelog Group, welcomed Jessica to the team, saying, “We are delighted to have Jessica join us. Her extensive experience in sales administration and her enthusiasm for the industry make her a great addition to our growing team.”
Funding approval gives green light for Derby’s Eastern Gateway
Shopping and leisure destination, Derbion, has confirmed that work to transform a new gateway to Derby city centre will begin this month, after final funding arrangements for the project were approved by Derby City Council.
The Eastern Gateway, delivered by Derbion and part-funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, will create a new façade and urban garden, transforming the area opposite the bus station and the eastern entrance to Derbion.
Work will begin this month and is due for completion during the first half of 2025.
Managing Director at Derbion, Beth McDonald, said: “The Eastern Gateway project will create a welcoming new entrance to the city centre, transforming the environment and encouraging footfall and visitors by opening up the space and introducing an urban square.
“We’re looking forward to getting underway with the development next month and seeing the positive difference that it makes for the city.”
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy at Derby City Council, said: “I’m thrilled that this project is moving ahead, marking another significant step in the revitalisation of Derby’s city centre.
“By transforming this area, we’re not just enhancing the look and feel of the city, but also creating a space everyone can enjoy. This development will be key to better connecting different parts of the city centre, making it more accessible and welcoming. It reflects our commitment to ensuring Derby’s future is bright, inclusive, and full of opportunities.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.”
Derby City Council was awarded £15 million by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund to support the development of the city centre, £3 million has been allocated to the Eastern Gateway – Derbion scheme with Derbion contributing a further £1 million.
E-commerce fulfilment company raises £2m
Warehow, an expanding e-commerce fulfilment company catering to fashion and homeware retailers, has raised £2.1m in a Series A funding round led by the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through its appointed fund manager Mercia Ventures, with support from existing investor MENA Moonshots.
Warehow enables retailers to sell on multiple marketplaces such as eBay, Very, Next and John Lewis through one fulfilment service. Items are picked and packed at its two state-of-the-art warehouses near Worksop and shipped by third-party couriers. Warehow also manages returns processing.
The company was founded in 2021 by Laurence Guy, Al Gerrie and Pete Harris as a spin-out from Laurence’s e-commerce business We Are Pentagon Group. Warehow employs 70 staff and has partnerships with leading brands such as River Island, Hoover, True Religion, and Puma. The company has doubled its revenue over the past year.
The latest investment, which brings the total raised to over £3.75m, will enable Warehow to further develop its technology, create additional storage capacity in one of its existing warehouses and step up its sales and marketing activities.
Co-founder and CEO, Pete Harris, said: “This funding is a significant milestone for Warehow. It will enable us to accelerate our growth trajectory and execute our business plan more effectively. We’re excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead as we continue to scale.”
Howard Mitchell of Mercia Ventures said: “Managing fulfilment across multiple sales channels is a complex task. Larger retailers are often focused on physical stores and their websites, while smaller businesses may lack essential infrastructure. Warehow’s efficient warehouse operations and innovative use of technology are key drivers of its success. This funding will enable the team to scale the business and meet the increasing demand.”
David Keenan of Nimbus Finance provided fundraising advice to Warehow. Ashley Taylor and Peter Mayhew from Shakespeare Martineau provided legal advice to Mercia on the deal.
Investigative tech firm Altia appoints Head of Product as it ramps up growth
Technology specialist Altia has appointed a new Head of Product as it looks to drive forward its innovative investigation software across the UK and beyond.
Sarah Saxton-Jones joins Altia’s UK team and will be tasked with leading the expansion and development of the tech expert’s products and services offering.
Key to her role will be overseeing the delivery of Altia HQ, the company’s new flagship platform which is designed to streamline and accelerate the crime-solving process with the most innovative investigation software.
Headquartered in Nottingham, Altia serves a global audience, providing law enforcement agencies, government departments, and private sector businesses with intelligence and investigation software.
The appointment comes during a period of growth for Altia, with the company recently making two senior appointments in its Asia, Pacific, Australia, and China team to strengthen its presence in the region.
The acquisition will further bolster Altia’s top-level positions, allowing it to accelerate its products and services to new and existing customers, with Sarah bringing with her over two decades of experience in driving large-scale digital transformation, innovation, and strategic business change across government entities, private sector and intelligence communities.
Throughout her career, Sarah has supported government entities and their suppliers to transition from traditional project management methodologies to more effective agile methodologies, enabling new products to support operations and successful migration of data centres to hybrid cloud platforms.
In her previous role as a Programme Director, Sarah led strategic government initiatives spanning technology, people, estates, and business change, where she optimised relationships with domestic and international partners, including CT Policing, The Ministry of Defence and other security and intelligence agencies.
Her work has led to significant technological advancements, delivering multi million pounds in efficiencies, while also adding substantial value to the UK Government’s customers.
Meanwhile, Sarah is experienced in enhancing the intelligence lifecycle and operational focus through strategic planning, developing objectives and key results (OKRs) to support the expansion of cloud products and applications.
Rob Sinclair, CEO, Altia, said: “At Altia we pride ourselves on delivering the best and most innovative tools to help our customers. Naturally, that means we want to work with the best and we are incredibly excited to have Sarah join our team.
“Her proven track record in smoothing the transitions to modern methodologies, delivering technological advancements, and enhancing operational transparency will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our products and capabilities.”
Additionally, Sarah is a champion of culture change, advocating for inclusivity and innovation in traditionally change-averse environments. She was honoured with the Director General Award for innovation in 2021, a testament to her commitment to driving positive change.
“With her extensive experience and leadership, Sarah is set to play a pivotal role in the continued success and growth of Altia,” added Rob.
On appointment in her new role, Sarah said: “Altia has a background in delivering new and innovative technologies in the investigation field and I’m thrilled to have this exciting opportunity to join the team at a time of growth.
“I’m looking forward to contributing to the innovative projects that Altia has on the horizon and getting stuck in to help drive forward the impactful work that Altia is known for.
“I look forward to the challenges ahead and to being part of a company that is truly making a difference in the investigative tech field.”
Ernest Doe & Sons expands into southern Lincolnshire with acquisition of Burdens Group branches
Ernest Doe & Sons has acquired agricultural machinery dealer The Burdens Group’s southern Lincolnshire branches, located in Sutterton and North Kyme.
The acquisition was facilitated through the appointed administrators at Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP, following The Burdens Group’s entry into administration.
With existing branches across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, Ernest Doe & Sons is a family-owned business with a heritage dating back to 1898, and is committed to extending its footprint into Lincolnshire.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Sutterton and North Kyme branches into the Ernest Doe family,” said Managing Director Angus Doe. “Our focus is on maintaining the strong customer relationships cultivated by The Burdens Group, while introducing the high standards of quality and service that have defined Ernest Doe & Sons for over 125 years.
“We look forward to serving the local community and supporting our new customers with the expertise and dedication that our longstanding customers have come to rely on.”
Main contractors asked to give views on Cleethorpes’ Pier Gardens scheme
The next step towards the transformation of Cleethorpes’ Pier Gardens is underway, as main contractors are asked to give their views on the scheme.
Called ‘Preliminary Market Consultation’, this is normal practice for public sector organisations and is part of the process ahead of full tenders being released for large contracts.
It allows for interested businesses to look at the detail of the project and comment and takes the form of online questionnaires and a physical event, which will be held on Thursday 12 September from 1pm at The Knoll in Cleethorpes.
Following this, officers will look at the responses, opinions and views before finalising details and releasing the main tender for the work of principal contractor, which is expected to be done later this year.
The scheme for Pier Gardens is supported by £18.4m, which was awarded to Cleethorpes from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF).
The designs were finalised after the views of hundreds of people were gathered during public events, meetings and consultations. This feedback supported more modern and wildlife friendly planting schemes, along with areas for children’s and adults’ social activities, and an area that could enable pop up events, performances and group exercise. Additionally, people wanted to make sure that the gardens had improved lighting, sympathetic to the surroundings.
As a result, specific zoned areas have been designed by landscape architects, WSP, that feature water play, terraced play features, play structures for both junior and older children, along with a flexible event space towards the Sea Road end and a quieter area for reflective contemplation at the Memorial Gate end.
Welcoming this next step in Pier Gardens’ development journey, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, Cllr Hayden Dawkins, said: “Cleethorpes has been evolving and improving over the years and this a further step in growing our resort, which is fast becoming a jewel in the crown of our country’s East coast.
“This transformation of Pier Gardens is going to create wonderful spaces for both visitors and local people to visit and enjoy – spending time together as families and we all look forward to this work starting, and more importantly completing.”
Construction work begins on £7.5m Community Pavilion in Stapleford
Construction work on a new £7.5m Community Pavilion on the Hickings Lane Recreation Ground in Stapleford has begun.
The pavilion will be a state-of-the-art, multi-use building, with a recreation and sports ground, that will replace some of the town’s out-of-date community facilities.
Due to open in 2025, it will bring local community groups together under one roof as a central hub for people of all ages to meet, learn, play, dance and keep fit.
It includes:
- Community café
- 2 function rooms
- 2 multi-use events and learning spaces
- Community centre space
- Enhanced and increased onsite car parking spaces and cycle storage
- Two cutting-edge 3G multi-sports pitches, a seven-a-side multi-use pitch, space for two five-a-side grass pitches or one seven-a-side pitch, plus changing rooms
Leicester and Leicestershire skills plan makes progress
One year on from the publication of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Leicester & Leicestershire, East Midlands Chamber has launched its progress report outlining the measures taken to date.
The original LSIP was launched in summer 2023 with the aim of making Leicester & Leicestershire the best place in the country for developing people with the skills needed for businesses to thrive, the economy to grow and individuals to succeed.
Recommendations were made against three broad priorities:
- Partnering with Further Education Colleges and others on the continued development of an education and skills offering that responds to the needs of business
- Growing businesses’ understanding of local skills offerings and delivery
- Ensuring local structures are fit for purpose to support collaborative working across businesses and educators
- Securing over £3m of Government funding for colleges to develop new programmes in the areas of green leadership
- Decarbonising transportation programmes with courses on electric/EV vehicles
- Rollout of a new local skills bootcamps programme aligned to specific priorities around green and digital upskilling, including a course on Generative AI
- Development of a new business ‘scorecard’ capturing business views on skills needs and provision
WBR Group in strategic expansion with appointment of Leicester law heavyweight
WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS administration and tax advisory services, has made a strategic move, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional legal services.
As part of this new chapter, WBR Group is welcoming Roy Botterill, a highly respected corporate lawyer, to join the firm’s team as Director of Law. Roy brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous role at Shakespeare Martineau, where he served for many years as Head of Leicester Office.
Roy’s commercial law expertise will be an integral part of an overall service WBR Group can offer to clients, particularly SMEs, who are seeking an exit or looking to pass the business down through the family.
WBR Group established a legal services business in November 2023: WBR Law operates from its established offices in Leicester and London, where small, dedicated teams provide clients with personalised legal services.
The firm’s existing leadership, comprised of Alan Simpson, Michael Conlon, and Anne Fendt, each of whom have over 30 years of legal experience, will be further strengthened by Roy’s arrival. The firm already has a strong offering in commercial property law. There is particular emphasis on SSAS pension clients alongside SMEs, larger businesses and clients with property portfolios.
In line with this growth, WBR Law is expanding its team further to include a paralegal, graduate trainee solicitor and administrative support. These additions reflect WBR’s commitment to fostering new talent and continuing to provide high quality legal services to its clients.
WBR Law operates as a separately regulated business under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct and client care. With the collective expertise of its directors and a clear vision for growth, WBR Law is well positioned to continue serving its clients with distinction.
Tom Moore, CEO of WBR Group, said: “I have known Roy for many years, and I’m delighted he has decided to join us at WBR. His extensive experience in corporate law and his leadership skills will not only enhance our service offering but also position WBR Group as a top choice for businesses seeking comprehensive commercial and related tax advice.
“Our specialised legal services, including commercial property, SSAS and company commercial services, perfectly complement WBR Group’s broader financial and tax advisory expertise, enabling us to offer clients a seamless and integrated solution for all their business needs. We are excited about the future and the continued growth of our talented team.”
Roy Botterill, Director of WBR Law, said: “I am thrilled to join WBR Group at such an exciting time in its development. The firm’s commitment to excellence and its collaborative, client-focused approach aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to working with my fellow Directors to further strengthen our service offering and to contribute to the firm’s continued success.”
Northamptonshire entrepreneurs invited to apply for incubation programme
The team at business support hub Vulcan Works are welcoming applications for the second cohort of their successful entrepreneurial incubation programme.
Vulcan Creatives launched earlier this year to support would-be entrepreneurs in Northamptonshire.
The free, six-month programme, funded by West Northamptonshire Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), supports ambitious individuals to create business plans and learn the skills needed to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship.
In the first cohort, 10 businesses were selected to work with Vulcan Works onsite business growth manager Darren Smith to either turn their ideas into viable businesses or grow their fledgling enterprises.
Preference was given to those working in the creative or digital sector – emerging industries in the county that Vulcan Works was created to support. Nine of the participants, including a photographer, app developer, interior designer and a musician, graduated from the programme last month and a special event was held to celebrate their success.
All graduates were helped to secure funding for their businesses and two have taken up workspaces at Vulcan Works to continue their journey.
Those who completed the programme attended a Vulcan Creatives Showcase event to mark their graduation. During the event, each participant gave a presentation about their journey to the specially invited guests.
The second cohort will begin the programme in September, which aims to support a minimum of 40 entrepreneurs in becoming enterprise-ready over the next two years.
Participants must be Northamptonshire residents aged 18 or over and be able to commit to a minimum of two days per week actively engaging in business support and coaching activities.
Those who take part in Vulcan Creatives will also receive free access to the Vulcan Works facilities during the course of the programme and up to 50% off workspace in the building after graduating.
Applications are open now and will close on Friday 6th September.
Darren said: “Vulcan Creatives has already proven itself to be a fantastic way for entrepreneurs to get a helping hand to turn their ideas into reality. The programme has been supported by so many local businesses and individuals to make it as useful and inspirational as possible and the recent graduation of our first cohort shows how successful it has been.
“We are excited to welcome the second cohort of aspiring businesspeople to our ranks, and seeing the programme benefit even more creative visionaries.”
Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “It is great news that local businesses are able to apply for the second phase of the Vulcan Creatives programme.
“The project, which is funded by UKSPF, enhances the fantastic support already on offer for local businesses at the Vulcan Works and complements the Council’s commitment to developing our economy.
“This is why we have already put £3 million into supporting local business and £1.5 million into getting local people and skills in the area. We acknowledge that there are skills gaps in our workforce and we need to develop these to enable local companies and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
“We want to see businesses thrive and want to support them in doing this. I encourage all businesses able to apply for the Vulcan Creatives scheme to do so immediately and for every local employer to explore the vast number of projects, grants and support we have on offer at West Northamptonshire Council.”
