Danielle Oum will be the new Chair of Tuntum Housing Association.
She is due to be formally elected at the Annual General Meeting at the end of this month, succeeding Junior Hemans who has been in post since 2015.
Ms Oum is currently Chair of Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, Chair of Aquarius Charity and a Board member of Fusion21.
She has previously held several NHS Trust Chair roles and served in Chair and Board member positions in a number of housing associations, most recently as Chair of Walsall Housing Group.
Tuntum is one of the largest independent black and minority ethnic (BME) housing providers in the UK.
Founded in 1988, the association owns and manages over 1,600 homes in 12 local authority areas in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire.
Danielle Oum said: “It is a privilege to join as Chair of the Board.
“Following the recent launch of Tuntum’s new Corporate Strategy 2024-2027 which incorporates six clear priorities and a revised vision statement, a roadmap is firmly in place to ensure the association modernises at pace – whilst keeping its soul intact.
“I pay tribute to Junior for guiding Tuntum through this vitally important work alongside Board colleagues, staff and customers.
“His legacy will be long lasting and his contribution to improving life chances in local communities across the East Midlands will never be forgotten.”
Charmaine Simei, Tuntum Chief Executive, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Danielle to the Board.
“She has a strong leadership background in strategic development, stakeholder engagement and transformational change spanning the public, private and voluntary sectors.
“Her breadth of experience will be enormously beneficial to Tuntum as we begin an exciting new chapter of our story.
“Junior has been a uniquely influential figure, not just at Board level but throughout the organisation. I thank him for his remarkable record of service and wish him well for the future.”
Junior Hemans, Tuntum Chair, said: “It has been a great honour to lead the Board for almost a decade.
“There have been many high points in that time, but I believe the best is yet to come for Tuntum.
“I look forward to many more successes with Danielle in the Chair.”
The Tuntum Housing Association Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 26 September.
An expanding live event production specialist has snapped up a unit on Cotes Park Industrial Estate in Somercotes.
Presentation Design Services Limited has bought the substantial production and storage space at Junction 28 of the M1.
Just under 25,000ft², and on a large site, agents noted the building “sold very quickly.”
The deal was completed by Tim Gilbertson of FHP who said: “It was a pleasure to act on behalf of longstanding clients here having previously let the building for them and indeed sold it to them originally many, many years ago!
“We put this property under offer within a couple of weeks of marketing commencing and having had to turn down subsequent enquiries for it, we remain keen to source other stock in the market to try and meet that ongoing demand.
“Whilst new build space continues to be sought-after, the market for second-hand space continues to be equally strong with weak supply and plenty good enough demand and hopefully this situation will see further deals concluded before the end of the year, albeit as ever more stock is required!”
Property consultancy Fisher German has been appointed to deliver rural property management services to the Church Commissioners for England, the body which administers the property assets of the Church of England and one of the country’s largest landowners.
The five-year contract will see colleagues at Fisher German’s offices in Doncaster, Chester, Ashby, Worcester, and Bedford manage a significant area of rural land and property across England, including across the North and Midlands.
Experts will also provide advice across a variety of specialisms including planning, development, investment, building consultancy, environmental and sustainability, and telecoms.
Fisher German is one of just two consultancies to be awarded a contract to deliver property management services for the Church Commissioners’ farmland portfolio after a competitive tender process.
Fisher German partner Rebecca Ruck-Keene, who is leading on the contract, said: “We are extremely pleased to be awarded this contract by the Church Commissioners for England.
“It is a significant five-year contract which really demonstrates the strength of our rural property team as well as the depth and breadth of the services that we can deliver in-house at Fisher German across a wide geographical spread.
“The Church Commissioners is a charitable organisation which has strong values and is focused on providing high-quality assets for tenants, and they were looking to award this contract to a consultancy which shares those values and maintains a high professional standard.
“It was a competitive tender process, so this news firmly cements us as one of the top multi-disciplinary property consultancies in the UK.”
Joanna Loxton, Head of Land at the Church Commissioners for England, said: “Our two managing agents will work closely with our asset managers and farming tenants to support sustainable farming businesses and food production across our nationwide portfolio of farm holdings.
“We look forward to collaborating with the Fisher German team to continue and grow our programme of tenant engagement and long-term stewardship across our portfolio.”
Ciara Williams, Head of Farmland at the Church Commissioners for England, said: “Regular engagement to understand the individual needs of our farming tenants is a major focus for the Church Commissioners.
“We always strive to share best practice in land management and conservation, and in Fisher German, we have a partner that shares our values of sustainability, collaboration and long-term stewardship.”
Nominations will close in just two days for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024. Ensure to submit your entries for the annual celebration of the property and construction industry by Thursday 5th September.
The Bricks shine a light on the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
Take this chance to showcase exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes.
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:
Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
A glittering awards ceremony revealing winners will take place on Thursday 3rd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, also offering the perfect opportunity to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
The event will additionally feature Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, as keynote speaker.
Winners and sponsors at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 – click here to secure yours.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Many businesses across the East Midlands find themselves in highly competitive markets where, no matter what type of advertising they try, it remains difficult to truly stand out and garner significant interest in their product or service without spending a fortune. Often, however, this is because they are looking to relatively conventional strategies and ‘playing it safe’, without realising it.
For example, we see a lot of service businesses uploading a positive customer testimonial quote to their social media, which is extremely ‘safe’. The companies that really stand out have, at least at some point, differentiated themselves from their competitors by adopting unusual and counterintuitive advertising strategies – in other words, by making ‘bold moves’.
We know these types of articles tend to suggest some absolutely wild, unrealistic approaches – such as implementing augmented reality – but we’ll be steering well clear of such things. In this article, we look at three ideas which are practical, easy to integrate, and can help you to improve your advertising effectiveness and return on investment:
AEGION, an Indian company specialising in advanced metallurgy and materials engineering, has joined the Space Park Leicester community at its £100 million state-of-the-art facility.
This strategic collaboration aligns with Space Park Leicester’s research initiatives and the University of Leicester’s School of Engineering, promising exciting advancements in materials science, engineering, and sustainable technologies.
AEGION’s expertise in casting and manufacturing special-grade metals for aerospace, nuclear, and space systems will significantly bolster Space Park Leicester’s research capabilities.
Its advanced work in metallurgy, fatigue analysis, durability, and new material chemistries aligns seamlessly with Space Park Leicester’s focus on material performance and failure analysis under extreme conditions.
Moreover, AEGION’s cutting-edge additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping capabilities will further enhance the University of Leicester’s ongoing research projects in 3D scanning, rapid prototyping, and advanced manufacturing processes.
Vinay Patel, Head of Commercial and Innovation at Space Park Leicester, said: “We are delighted to welcome AEGION to our community. Their expertise and commitment to cutting-edge technology and sustainability align perfectly with our mission to foster world-leading research and innovation in advanced materials and aerospace engineering.
“By joining Space Park Leicester’s vibrant community, AEGION contributes to fostering a rich environment for talent development and knowledge sharing.”
AEGION, renowned for its pioneering work in advanced metallurgy, specialises in developing special-grade alloys and materials-based components tailored for aerospace and defence applications. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality and innovation, with a mission to become India’s leading provider of advanced materials solutions.
Its portfolio includes advanced metallurgical solutions: offering a wide range of steel, nickel, and titanium alloys, both in casting and forging forms, with precision coatings suitable for defence, aerospace, and other sophisticated systems.
Samridhi Shoor, Director of Aegion, said: “We are deeply committed to advancing materials technology for the future of energy and space exploration. Our current focus on developing superior fuel materials and innovative alloys for SMRs, MMRs, and hydrogen propulsion systems positions us to revolutionise the energy landscape.
“Establishing our UK office at Space Park Leicester is a strategic step that will accelerate our R&D efforts and foster vital collaborations. By leveraging the park’s world-class facilities and expertise, we aim to lead the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions and contribute to the advancement of space propulsion systems for indefinite missions.”
The addition of AEGION to the Space Park Leicester community brings the total number of foreign direct investment companies to six, with more potential partners in the pipeline.
Other industry partners co-located at Space Park Leicester include Rolls Royce, Airbus, Earth Sense, UKSA, and more.
Derbyshire County Council received funding to deliver a pilot project allowing business owners can access free health checks for their staff.
The council has been successful in bidding for £36,000 of funding which will be used to run free NHS Health Checks and Live Life Better Derbyshire MOT plus in workplaces across the county.
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “By identifying risk factors such as high blood pressure early, we can help people to get the support and treatment they need to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and avoid heart attacks and strokes.
“In turn this helps people to live well for longer as well as helping to boost our local economy.”
Every year, more than 1.3 million people in England take part in an NHS Health Check and this helps prevents an estimated 300 premature deaths.
Evidence shows that the age of people having cardiovascular disease (CVD) events such as strokes and heart attacks is getting younger, meaning more working age people are now being affected.
Evidence also shows that some groups such as men are less likely to get early help, and by targeting workplaces the council can engage these groups.
Around 1 in 3 people who have a heart attack and 1 in 4 strokes are in people of working age, with a third of stroke survivors not returning to work afterwards.
Derbyshire’s Healthy Workplaces team will be delivering free NHS Health Checks and Live Life Better Derbyshire MOT Plus to workplaces across Derbyshire until March 2025.
A health check lasts up to 45 minutes and is carried out by a trained health advisor.
During the check the advisor will measure cholesterol and glucose levels from a fingertip blood test. They will take blood pressure, height, and weight as well as ask some lifestyle questions.
The advisor will talk about your current health and discuss any early signs of heart disease and other health conditions like stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia.
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.”
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.
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.
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