New Chesterfield programme to boost careers in manufacturing and engineering sector
A new programme aims to help businesses in the manufacturing and engineering sector upskill their staff and bring new people into the sector.
Manufacturing Futures is a new STEM skills programme that will help increase capacity to support more work-based learning programmes including T-levels, apprenticeships, work experience and internships to ensure there is a future pipeline of talent to work in the sector.
Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund the programme will lead to the creation of new classroom facilities at local business United Cast Bar and will provide mentoring to around 30 people already employed in the sector.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic development, said: “Chesterfield has a proud tradition of engineering and manufacturing, but we need to ensure this sector can continue to grow and provide new opportunities for our residents.
“I’m pleased that we have been able to fund this programme as it will help people advance their careers and support our residents to take up roles in this sector in the future.
“Working in partnership with businesses and education providers is key to ensuring this programme is effective and provides the support the sector needs.”
Chesterfield College has been appointed to deliver the training elements included within the programme.
James Lund, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Business Growth at Chesterfield College Group, said: “Chesterfield College are really excited to be involved in the delivery of this project in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum and United Cast Bar UK Limited.
“This will be a real catalyst to increasing the engagement with young people in the local area, to support the future staffing needs of the manufacturing sector. It will create a positive legacy that can be built on for many years to come.”
The programme has been introduced following discussions with the Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum, which is co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield, and as well as technical training it will include practical sessions with local employers.
James Brand, Managing Director (Foundries) at United Cast Bar and Chair of the Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum, said: “We are really excited to be able to put this facility in place. It will give us the perfect location to provide upskilling to both our workforce and other businesses in the Manufacturing community.
“The space will also provide a place of learning for T Level and apprenticeship qualifications, allowing UCB to work even more closely with the College and local schools is fantastic.”
Flint Bishop bolsters Litigation practice with strategic partner hire
Law firm Flint Bishop has welcomed a highly regarded and seasoned partner to its Litigation practice, marking a significant and strategic addition to the firm’s growing national footprint in the commercial litigation arena.
Sarah Burton, who brings over 20 years of extensive experience in commercial litigation—including a proven track record of managing complex, high-value cases—joins Flint Bishop from the national law firm Knights.
Throughout her distinguished career, she has developed a deep expertise in commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on resolving property-related disputes.
Burton also possesses a wealth of international experience, having spent 12 years offshore handling cross-border cases involving partnership disputes, shareholder disagreements, and professional negligence claims.
Notable cases include representing a client from the UAE in a US$45 million breach of contract claim, managing multi-party litigation involving 54 shareholders in a share sale dispute, and representing a client in High Court proceedings for €3.5 million related to a contract for goods purchased from Hungary.
Qamer Ghafoor, Chief Executive at Flint Bishop, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the Commercial Litigation team. Her vast experience in both UK and offshore markets, coupled with her leadership in significant cases, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand our services. Sarah’s addition to the team further enhances Flint Bishop’s ability to provide top-tier legal expertise and supports the firm’s ongoing growth in the commercial litigation arena.
“This significant appointment follows a series of recent senior hires as the firm continues its commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients and fits perfectly with our mission of providing high-quality legal support across all sectors.”
The appointment follows Flint Bishop’s recent acquisition of the Banking Litigation and Recoveries division from Walker Morris, as well as the opening of the firm’s new offices in Leeds earlier this month.
Leicester-based science party businesses sold after entering adminstration
A pre-pack administration sale has been completed for a Leicester-based trio of science themed businesses – Sublime Science Ltd, Science Boffins Ltd and Hatton Science Communication Ltd, trading as Letterbox Labs.
Quantuma’s Richard Easterby and Michael Kiely were appointed as Joint Administrators and have completed the business and asset sale to Launchpad Publishing.
Alongside its children’s science magazine Whizz Pop Bang, this new acquisition will solidify Launchpad Publishing’s position as a leading provider of engaging, hands-on science experiences for children.
Founded in 2008, Sublime Science Ltd, Science Boffins Ltd and Hatton Science Communication Ltd specialised in bringing fun science to children via parties, hands-on school workshops and a postal science kit subscription service.
The business generated annual turnover of over £1m, but recently fell into difficulty, due to its debt-burden, despite a strong underlying business.
The companies employed a total of eight staff – seven of whom have been transferred to the purchaser under TUPE regulations.
Richard Easterby, Joint Administrator and a director at Quantuma, said: “I am delighted to have achieved such a positive outcome. The sale secures the continued trading operation of Sublime Science, Science Boffins and Hatton Science Communication and the purchaser is a great fit for the business.
“Our involvement sees the majority of jobs saved, the rescue of a well-established brand and an uninterrupted service for customers.”
Jenny Inglis, CEO of Launchpad Publishing, said: “We are thrilled to bring these incredible brands together under one roof. Together, we will continue to spark curiosity and inspire a love of science in children across the UK, empowering them to explore, experiment and learn in a fun and engaging way.”
ENSEK makes acquisition to expand tech offering
ENSEK, the Nottingham-based retail energy SaaS software provider, has acquired Zoa in a deal which will see it significantly expand the technology capabilities it can provide to the sector.
ENSEK provides its mission critical operating platform to energy suppliers to deliver better customer experience and improved cost-to-serve, supporting new product innovation and the net zero transition through its digital platform.
Zoa’s AI-powered home energy management platform will complement ENSEK’s Ignition retail operating platform, creating a suite of technological solutions that will support both its customers’ increasing need to digitise, and help accelerate the energy transition.
As part of the deal, Zoa’s team of more than 45 employees will become part of ENSEK, taking the company to 550 employees.
Jon Slade, Chief Executive Officer at ENSEK, said: “The acquisition of Zoa is an important next step in realising our strategic vision to deliver a secure and sustainable energy system of the future.
“Bringing together our two businesses means we will be able to provide customers with an expanded offering, creating a unique platform for a new era of energy. This is an extremely exciting milestone not just for ENSEK and Zoa, but for our current and future customers.”
Zoa was formed following UK energy supplier Bulb going into administration. Over the past two years, it has built an innovative SaaS platform for electrification, enabling energy companies to use intelligent technology to drive and manage the rapid expansion of smart renewable energy devices.
Sara Brooks and Tom Fraine, Zoa’s Co-CEOs, said: “We are incredibly proud of the platform and business we have built at Zoa over the last two years. We recognise the need to move faster to meet the urgency of the energy transition, and joining forces with ENSEK strengthens our capabilities and supercharges our impact and will help millions of homes in the UK and beyond to decarbonise.”
The Access Group acquires hospitality digital order and pay specialist
Loughborough-based business management software provider, The Access Group, has acquired QikServe, the digital commerce platform, content management system (CMS), kiosk and mobile order & pay provider to the hospitality sector.
National partner selected for major Northampton brownfield regeneration opportunity
West Northamptonshire Council is set to partner with national placemaker, ECF – a joint venture between Legal & General, Homes England, and Muse – to deliver the regeneration of Greyfriars in Northampton Town Centre.
ECF works with local authorities across the country to deliver high-quality schemes which provide diverse facilities for local communities.
The agreement would enable the partnership to explore and shape planning, delivery, and funding for the largest brownfield regeneration opportunity within West Northamptonshire. Once established, the proposal would be subject to further approvals from both ECF and the Council, expected to be in summer 2025.
Greyfriars includes the former Greyfriars Bus Station, which was demolished in 2015, as well as the Mayorhold and Victoria Street Car Parks, Corn Exchange, Belgrave House, and East and West Island totalling over 14 acres.
The vision, which has been developed by West Northamptonshire Council and Studio Egret West with support from Homes England, seeks to re-imagine several derelict buildings with exciting new uses.
The Corn Exchange could form an arts and culture hub, whilst Belgrave House provides opportunities for an innovative workplace and business incubator. The regeneration could also include a new outdoor Amphitheatre to anchor landmark new public spaces.
New homes would support a vibrant new neighbourhood, alongside shops, cafes, and restaurants as part of a dynamic new place.
New residents and visitors are expected to spend an additional £21m in Northampton which will help drive the economy of the entire town centre, with as many as 7,000 full time equivalent jobs created during construction, generating £1 billion in economic value.
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “Transformational change is already underway across Northampton town centre with the redevelopment of the Market Square, and rejuvenation of Abington and Fish Street.
“As well as development plans on brownfield land at Four Waterside and Marefair which demonstrates the Council’s ambition but also commitment to delivering better public spaces. This partnership is an exciting step forward in our vision to regenerate the Greyfriars site into a vibrant neighbourhood which is set to amplify this part of town and turn this into a reality.
“ECF obtain a wide breadth of skills and knowledge which they will be bringing to West Northamptonshire as part of a long-term relationship to bring forward a viable and sustainable scheme.”
Sir Michael Lyons, Chair at ECF, said: “West Northamptonshire Council has developed an ambitious and exciting vision for Greyfriars, as part of a bold approach to the wider regeneration of Northampton Town Centre.
“Working in partnership with the local authority, ECF will support the development of a delivery model which aligns with the Greyfriars vision and supports long-term regeneration.
“Greyfriars has the potential to drive significant social and economic value and working together we can unlock the opportunity. Having expanded in size to £400m, ECF stands ready to collaborate with ambitious partners to deliver transformative regeneration.”
Nottingham Venues announces official partnership with Robin Hood Half Marathon
Nottingham Venues has joined forces with the Robin Hood Marathon team for the second year running to be the race’s official hotel partner.
Following the success of last year, Nottingham Venues has continued the partnership, which will see Nottingham Venues Jubilee Hotel and Conferences welcome runners and their families before and after the 43rd Robin Hood Half and mini half marathons, which take place on Sunday 29 September.
The event has already made history with close to 10,500 runners already registered, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The surge in participation sets the stage for what organisers hope may become the most attended event in its illustrious history.
Stephanie Moss-Pearce, Director of Marketing at Nottingham Venues, said: “The Robin Hood Half Marathon draws thousands of runners and their families to Nottingham each year and last year was a fantastic opportunity to welcome so many people to our facilities both pre- and post-race, to get a good rest and refuel.
“We wanted to continue our support this year as official hotel partner, as it was so much fun cheering on the runners completing the part of the route that passes directly in front of the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences venue. We’re really looking forward to spurring on the runners as they complete the course and will be keeping an eye out for three of our own team who are taking part this year.”
The Jubilee Hotel and Conferences is set within 65 acres of lakeside grounds and located on the Jubilee Campus. On the marathon route runners will pass by both as they head out from Nottingham city centre to Wollaton Park and then on the way back into the city centre.
The 2024 event has seen a significant increase in charity partnerships, with a record number of organizations involved, including Cancer Research UK returning as the headline charity. Nottingham Venues is one of 18 partners, many with a strong local focus, reinforcing the Robin Hood Half Marathon’s role as a major community and fundraising event.
The Spokes Café, located within the Jubilee Hotel and Conferences, will be open in the morning and Nottingham Venues staff are also planning to set up a cheer station with refreshments outside the venue.
Nottingham Venues’ 4* Orchard Hotel, set within 300 acres of the University of Nottingham parkland, is also open to runners and their families throughout the weekend.
Nottingham College’s Stoney Street campus gets £1.3m makeover
Multi-discipline principal contractor Miller Knight has completed a £1.3 million refurbishment project at Nottingham College’s historic Stoney Street campus, marking a new chapter in a long-standing partnership.
Located in the historic Lace Market district, Nottingham College’s School of Art is home to over 2,500 students enrolled in art and design courses. Mansfield-headquartered Miller Knight was appointed over a span of 23 weeks for a renovation projected to rejuvenate one of the city’s most significant Grade II listed buildings, reinforcing the college’s status as a centre of excellence in education.
The project involved a comprehensive transformation of four floors at 25 Stoney Street, enhancing both the building’s functionality and its historic character.
Key upgrades included the installation of energy-efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and LED lighting, alongside extensive refurbishments of teaching spaces, windows, and WC facilities.
The work was carried out while the campus remained fully operational. This required meticulous planning and close coordination with the college’s senior management to minimise disruption to teaching and exams. Sensitive working practices were adopted throughout to ensure minimal impact on students and staff.
Dave Swift, construction manager at Miller Knight, said: “The team at Miller Knight and our key contractors are delighted to deliver another successful scheme for Nottingham College and EDGE. It was a difficult project to deliver logistically, but the entire team have worked closely with the college to complete with minimum inconvenience.
“The team even managed to bring into the programme some essential additional repairs to the Grade II listed building to go above and beyond on the project, aligning the college with contemporary standards for education and sustainability, while honouring the building’s historical significance.”
Gary McGinty, director of estates and capital projects at Nottingham College, added: “We are fortunate to have such a beautiful Grade II listed building as part of the Nottingham College estate, but maintaining such a historic building can present unique challenges.
“Partnering with Miller Knight on the four-floor refurbishment has been a truly collaborative effort, transforming the space back into a high-quality education setting where our students can thrive. The addition of photovoltaic panels and LED lighting is also another significant step towards our goal to become carbon neutral by 2030.”
Car detailing specialist takes space at Burton industrial estate
Platinum Touch have taken occupation of Unit 3 HCM Industrial Estate following a successful letting by Richard Fairey at Rushton Hickman.
The 1,736 sq ft unit is located in a bustling area of mixed commercial activity on Wetmore Road and is within walking distance of Burton upon Trent town centre.
The newly let space features an expansive open plan workspace with a modern suspended ceiling, a roller shutter door and dedicated car parking at the front of the premises, making it an ideal location for Platinum Touch.
Platinum Touch specialises in high-performance detailing and car care services including ceramic coating, car security and window tints.
Richard Fairey, director and agent agreeing the deal, said: “The presence of Platinum Touch on site will add a new dimension to the diverse range of businesses operating in the area, further enhancing the commercial landscape of both HCM Industrial Estate and this area of the town generally.”
Corby company continues to champion sustainable innovation by joining Northampton Sustainability Accord
Corby-based See Limited is continuing in its efforts to reduce its carbon emissions by joining the Northampton Sustainability Accord.
Established by the Sustainability Local Innovation Partnership Agenda Hub (SLIPAH), the Accord is a pioneering sustainability research and knowledge exchange hub with a focus on transformative change in the local Northamptonshire area and beyond. It’s made up of like-minded organisations that share the same target of reducing their carbon footprint.
As part of the company’s acceptance into the Accord, it has taken on several key responsibilities which were agreed at the University of Northampton (UoN) Sustainability Summit held earlier this year. One of these includes sharing sustainable practices and initiatives with other signatories.
“Sustainability is a lynchpin of our daily conversations and we are proud to have a number of initiatives already in place to help us take sustainable steps forward and reduce our carbon emissions,” said Robert Thompson, CEO, See Limited.
“These include solar panel installation, electric vehicle policy and being part of the Science Based Targets Initiative, all of which demonstrates our commitment to adopting best practice in sustainability.
“We’re really pleased to announce this partnership with the Northampton Sustainability Accord. Our vision matches its long-term objectives and with their support, we are looking forward to enhancing our knowledge and sustainability initiatives.”
To officially announce See’s acceptance into the Accord, the company welcomed Ebenezer Laryea, project lead on Towards a Net Zero West Northants, a UK government-funded project to support local businesses, and chair of the University of Northampton (UoN) Sustainability Summit 2024, to their Corby office.
Of the partnership, Ebenezer said: “We are excited to welcome See Limited as the latest signatory organisation to the Northampton Sustainability Accord.
“By joining the Accord, See demonstrates its commitment to work together with other stakeholders to address shared sustainability challenges and accelerate the transition to more responsible and sustainable commercial practices.”
