Day aims to highlight role of women in engineering
Women working in Chesterfield’s manufacturing and engineering sector will be celebrated on Sunday as part of International Women in Engineering Day.
The day aims to raise awareness of careers in the sector for women, with 2021 figures showing that just 16.5% of engineers in the UK are female.
With many businesses in Chesterfield working to reduce skills gaps in their workforces, attracting a diverse range of skilled people is a key priority for the future, says Nick Catt, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and MD of Weightron Bilanciai.
He added: “Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day is not just about recognising the remarkable achievements of women engineers worldwide, but also about inspiring future generations to break barriers, innovate without limits, and reshape the world with their ingenuity and passion.
“I would strongly recommend that young women and girls across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to look into what a rewarding career in our sector can offer. By encouraging more women to work in engineering, we are able to futureproof our businesses and help them to thrive for future generations.”
Mortgage broker wins three awards at national industry events
Chesterfield-based Mortgage 1st has won some of the most competitive categories in three nationally recognised industry events.
In the space of just 17 days, Mortgage 1st picked up awards at three financial and mortgage sector awards ceremonies:
• Mortgage Strategy Awards – Best Mortgage Broker
• Financial Reporter Awards – Broker Firm of the Year
• Legal & General Mortgage Club Awards – Best Broker Firm for Overall Quality
MD Jon Stones said: “This remarkable level of success is true testament to the skillset, culture and commitment of our amazing team at Mortgage 1st. To be recognised as the best mortgage broker firm in the UK across three separate awards events signals that we are very close to achieving exactly what we set out to 16 years ago.
“Being trusted to provide first class advice comes with huge responsibility, we aim to provide this as seamlessly as possible whilst keeping the customer at the heart of every improvement we make as a brand.
“We are still in a state of shock to be completely honest but thrilled that the judges and the readers of industry publications have recognised our achievements over the last 12 months. Winning these awards leaves us feeling immensely proud but also fuels our ambitions to enhance our offering even further.”
The business was established in 2008, but has since grown into a company with over 50 employees based at its head office just off junction 30 of the M1.
Bakery business takes on new premises in Market Harborough
The Garage Bakehouse is moving into a 1,500 sq ft unit at Market Harborough’s E1 Welland Business Park.
The bakery’s retail outlet is on Roman Way in the town – an area of huge commercial activity for Eddisons, where employees understand the bakery element of the business will move to E1 Welland Business Park to allow for business growth in expanding its current Roman Way setting.
Museum forms partnership with heating tech giant to build industry skills for the future
Derby Museums has formed a new partnership with Vaillant, bringing new investment to develop future engineering skills in the region.
Vaillant is the largest employer in Belper with additional sites across Derbyshire and is a manufacturer of heat pumps, boilers and complimenting heating system products. Having invested more than £50m into the region, it is now partnering with Derby Museums on a new suite of educational programmes designed to inspire the apprentices, engineers and makers of the future.
This partnership will also see Vaillant as the exclusive sponsor of the Assemble: Derby’s Making Festival which will be hosted on Saturday 26 October. For the next three years, Vaillant will collaborate on special workshops for visitors to get involved and understand low carbon alternatives in heating and new initiatives in education and skills development for the region.
Visitors to the Museum of Making will be able to learn more about a low carbon future through its new Power Pod display. The display showcases the innovations from both Vaillant and its sister brand Glow-worm, looking at heritage boilers from the past and heat pump technology for the future, alongside other industrial artefacts from Derby Museums’ collections.
The partnership will also see the creation of a ‘Launch into Engineering’ project – where secondary school pupils will be invited to spend time in the Museum of Making’s Workshop, visit the Vaillant manufacturing plant and get a taste of life in the heating industry.
Henrik Hansen, Managing Director of Vaillant in the UK & Ireland, said: “Our partnership with Derby Museums is a great way for us to celebrate our local manufacturing heritage. We’ve been in Derby for 90 years with Glow-worm and this year we are proud to celebrate 150 years with Vaillant.
“We are a major employer in the area and are looking to promote engineering and manufacturing in the region and to continue investing in Derby, making the city attractive for current and future generations.
“We value the opportunity to support Derby Museums through educating the public on manufacturing engineering skills. We are especially excited to link the partnership to our Apprenticeship programme with Derby College, as a major manufacturer in the region it is our responsibility to support and invest in our young people to secure the future of low carbon home heating.”
Cathy Putz, Director of Programmes at Derby Museums, said: “We are delighted to have secured the support of Vaillant through this multi-year partnership to support Derby Museums’ ambitions to grow, develop and inspire a community of makers and engineers in the area.
“The Museum of Making is committed to exploring Derbyshire’s making past, present and future and we are excited to be partnering with Vaillant to build on successful existing industry partnerships.
“In a world where sustainability and climate consciousness is paramount, through this partnership Vaillant is continuing this legacy of innovation and invention and aligns well with Derby Museums’ goals to empower makers and engineers of the future and facilitate discussions on how we might live in a more environmentally conscious way considering lower carbon alternatives.”
Duo of major student schemes get go-ahead in Nottingham
Two major student accommodation schemes have been approved for Nottingham, creating more than 980 new bedspaces in the city.
The first development, on Norton Street, on part of the former John Player factory in Radford, is to comprise two accommodation blocks of 7 storeys. Each block would accommodate a mix of studios and 3 to 10 bed cluster apartments, comprising 587 bedspaces in total.
The ground floor of ‘Block D’ would have extensive communal and ancillary areas including a lounge, study area, gym, spa, laundry room, and bike storage. A lounge area with roof garden is additionally included at level 7. ‘Block E’ would also have a lounge area at ground floor level. Landscaped outside space is to be provided within a ‘green heart’ area.
Hyson Green Developments are behind the plans for the site, currently a former car park.
The second development, which sits at the junction of Wilford Road and Traffic Street, involves the erection of an up to 17 storey building.
The site has historically been used for industrial and commercial purposes since the 1880’s and was latterly occupied by Sentinel House, used by Boots as offices and a laboratory. This was demolished and the site cleared in 2008. The site is currently hoarded and in use as a construction compound and parking area associated with the development of sites on Traffic Street.
The scheme comprises 396 bedrooms across a range of cluster flats and studios. The lower ground, ground and first floors would accommodate communal facilities such as a gym, cinema, private dining space, games area, amenity spaces, meeting rooms, a cycle store, laundry and waste storage facilities.
Externally, a sunken entrance space incorporates soft landscaping and tapering steps to provide informal seating, whilst a further courtyard space with soft landscaping and seating is also proposed. Jensco is behind the plans.
Harworth appoints development director for the Midlands
Harworth Group plc, a regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has appointed Gareth Thomas as development director for the Midlands region.
Reporting to Midlands regional director, David Cockroft, Gareth will be responsible for expanding the Midlands portfolio to support Harworth’s strategic growth ambitions, including progressing its major developments in the region. Gareth has over 15 years’ experience in the private and public sector, having held senior leadership positions at both JLL and Deloitte, advising a range of institutional investors, financiers and property companies on commercial acquisitions and lending across the UK. Prior to joining Harworth, Gareth led the development team at The Coal Authority, which is sponsored by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. Whilst there, Gareth also led teams that advised on land management, acquisitions and disposals, as well as leading its permitting and planning functions across Great Britain. David Cockroft, regional director – Midlands, Harworth Group, said: “Gareth is an excellent addition to the team at Harworth and strengthens our capabilities in the Midlands region. Gareth’s senior expertise and extensive experience will help drive growth in the region and support the successful delivery of a wide range of projects.”Derbyshire entrepreneur purchases golf club with multi-million pound transformation plans
Charjen Capital has purchased the 19th century Horsley Lodge Golf Club in Derbyshire for an undisclosed sum – with long-term, multi-million pound plans to transform the 200-acre site into one of the UK’s outstanding golf and lifestyle destinations.
Led by Derbyshire-based entrepreneur Marc Brough, Charjen has kickstarted its overarching programme by enhancing the existing golf course and members’ areas – as well as refurbishing 14 hotel rooms and creating two new ones. In just three months since the purchase, Charjen has invested £500,000 on works to the golf course and equipment, members’ area and bar.
With further significant investment on the horizon, Charjen has kicked off further plans for Horsley Lodge by applying for planning permission to demolish existing conservatories within the main members’ building to create brand new restaurants and terraces for member and non-members alike.
Originally built by the Earl of Sitwell as a wedding present for his son in 1863, Horsley Lodge has earned a reputation as one of Derbyshire’s finest golf courses, country hotels and wedding venues, set in the foothills of the Peak District.
Marc Brough of Charjen said: “We saw an opportunity to own one of Derbyshire’s finest golf courses in a stunning location and have grand plans to enhance the golf course itself – as well as upgrade the hotel and venue space in a sensitive and sustainable manner.
“We have a three-year strategy to make the most of this vast, stunning destination, creating a larger wedding venue, enhanced facilities for golfers – including a new driving range with simulators – more rooms for guests to stay and, of course, an elevated dining experience for all, supporting local producers.
“We intend to build on the existing success of Horsley Lodge – investing in a planned programme of works. We have short-term plans for refurbishment which includes the upgrading of the current wedding venue on site, and longer-term plans to create fantastic new facilities.”
The former Horsley manor house was restored by the Salt family creating the golf club itself, retaining the original character and charm – from the sweeping drive into the exposed limestone walls and original tiled floors.
In its current application to Amber Valley Borough Council, Charjen’s architect Sigma has set out transformational designs to create a high-end brasserie of 85 covers, a signature fine dining space with 18 covers and a chef’s table for eight people and private dining space for 22. There will be a kitchen garden growing produce for the restaurants and providing a stunning backdrop for diners – overlooking the garden and ninth hole. If planning is approved, the restaurants are expected to open later this year.
“We are really excited about the new restaurants – creating a destination for diners locally and nationally and using the finest local producers in Derbyshire. Horsley Lodge will be opening its doors to members and non-members alike to enjoy all the fantastic upcoming facilities that we have in store,” added Marc.
“The golf course will be at its core – and one we want to appeal to local and regional golfers and guests, but also create a venue that appeals to a national audience with the ‘Soho House’ crowd in mind,” he said.
“We intend to put Horsley Lodge on the map as a great place to play golf, stay a few days, enjoy our fantastic dining experiences and leisure facilities – and of course, to enjoy this stunning part of Derbyshire and all that it has to offer.”
In the longer term, Charjen intends to build a new wedding venue with space for hundreds of guests, further accommodation throughout the estate, a new state-of-the-art driving range and simulators, high end spa facilities and swimming pools.
Charjen purchased Horsley Lodge from the Salt family. Lawyers involved in the deal were Browne Jacobson.
Positive outlook for East Midlands businesses as new research shows boost in sales and orders
Increased sales and orders, a growing confidence in future profitability, and reduced pressure to increase prices are among a series of findings from a new East Midlands survey of over 300 businesses.
Six in 10 respondents to East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (Q2, 2024) said they anticipated their turnover to improve this year, with half expecting gains in profitability to follow. An increasing number of businesses were planning to boost their investment in new equipment and training and there was a drop in those reporting difficulties with cashflow.
East Midlands Chamber Head of Special Projects Richard Blackmore said: “It’s fantastic to see so many measures in our Quarterly Economic Survey pointing to growth for East Midlands businesses, with the data suggesting this will continue over the remainder of the year. What everyone in business wants to see is their turnover and profit going up and price pressures falling and that’s exactly the picture being painted by this data.
“For fewer respondents than in the last quarter to say they feel a compulsion to raise prices and for that data to coincide with a drop in inflation this week to 2% is a good combination.
“Orders are up, both in the UK and overseas, and businesses are increasingly talking up their intentions to invest, especially in plant and machinery. These are all signs that businesses are moving away from the drawn-out days of just ‘getting by’ in the face of tough times and are now looking to push ahead.
“It’s worthy of note that just as many East Midlands businesses are saying ‘competition’ is up there with inflation in their list of growing concerns. A healthy economy requires healthy competition between businesses, so this finding again suggests brighter times lie ahead for the rest of 2024.”
Highlights from East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey Q2, 2024:
- Six out of ten respondents expected turnover to increase
- Nearly half of respondents expected profitability to increase
- One third of respondents expected to raise prices (down from Q4 2023 when the figure was two out of five)
- Three out of ten respondents reported an increase in overseas sales over the last three months (up from two out ten in Q3, 2023)
- Just under a quarter of respondents expected overseas orders to increase over the next three months
Record revenues for Lutterworth cybersecurity software company
Revenue and profit have soared at Intercede, the Lutterworth cybersecurity software company specialising in digital identities.
According to preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2024, the business delivered record group revenues of £20 million, 65% higher than its prior year (£12.1m).
Meanwhile, pre-tax profit ascended to £5.6m from £0.6m. Intercede noted that FY24 was “an exceptional year” and that it continues to invest in its colleagues, IT Infrastructure, product development, sales and marketing to maintain and sustain current momentum.It added: “We embark into FY25 with good visibility on the pipeline, known and fully resourced internal critical investments, and with a clear roadmap on our acquisition strategy…. The focus is on growth and execution of strategic plans to deliver it.”
Royston Hoggarth, chairman, said: “In this challenging global environment, the Group has delivered record revenues in what has been an exceptional year. We look forward to building on this momentum.”
As monthly company insolvencies fall, the tide could finally be turning for East Midlands businesses
A surprise monthly fall in the number of company insolvencies in England and Wales could indicate that the tide is turning for the local economy, with an increase in business growth and prospects over coming months.
This is according to the Midlands branch of insolvency and restructuring body R3 and follows monthly statistics published this week by the Insolvency Service which show that corporate insolvencies decreased by 6.4% in May 2024 to a total of 2,006 compared to the previous month’s total of 2,144, and by 21.2% against May 2023’s figure of 2,547.
R3 Midlands Chair Stephen Rome, a partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper in the region, said: “Despite the challenges facing local companies, including the uncertain political and economic climate, business owners appear generally more optimistic about the coming months, and many expect output and sales levels to rise and are planning to recruit extra staff.
“With the national economy growing in the first quarter of this year and predicted to grow again in the next quarter, the tide may be about to turn for the better in the East Midlands.
“Businesses do need to remain cautious, however, as inflation levels, depressed consumer spending, and the costs of energy and fuel have been looming over the local economy for months.
“Shorter-term issues, like the rain we experienced in April and May, will also have hit local firms in the construction, retail and hospitality sectors, with delays to building projects and a reduced footfall into shops and hospitality businesses.
“We therefore urge anyone who is worried about their finances to seek advice as soon as possible. We know how challenging it is to talk about money worries but starting that conversation when the problem is new will give more options for resolving it and more time to consider the next step.
“Most R3 members will offer potential clients a free initial consultation so they can learn more about their situation and how it may be resolved.”
