East Midlands manufacturers see boost to growth prospects
East Midlands manufacturers are seeing a much stronger picture as they enter the second half of the year with business confidence increasing and the sector forecast to outpace the economy overall in 2024.
The findings come in the Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey published by Make UK. According to the survey, both output and orders have picked up substantially compared to the first quarter and are set to strengthen in the next three months in line with the national picture.
The East Midlands in particular is set to benefit from increased production in the automotive and food and drink sectors which have a strong presence in the region. This better picture is translating into increased recruitment intentions with job prospects especially strong compared to historical levels.
Business confidence has also risen to equal the highest level recorded since the survey started measuring the indicator in 2014. The only previous occasion it reached the current level was during the immediate post covid rebound.
The survey also asked companies to list their top three priorities for the next Government. More than two thirds of manufacturers (69.1%) said delivering an industrial strategy was the top priority, more than half (54.2%) said strengthening EU/UK relations, while almost half (44%) said reducing the business tax burden. This was followed by investment in national infrastructure (31.5%) and reforming the Apprentice Levy (24.1%).
Make UK is forecasting that manufacturing will grow by 1.2% in 2024 but moderate to 0.8% in 2025. GDP will grow by 0.9% in 2024 and 2% in 2025.
Chris Corkan, Region Director for the Midlands at Make UK, said: “After the economic and political shocks of the last few years there is now strong confidence among manufacturers in the East Midlands. At long last, companies can see concrete signs of growth and a much better economic outlook ahead.
“With prices cooling and, potential cuts in interest rates to come, the next Government must capitalise on this scenario by delivering a modern, long term industrial strategy which goes beyond the 2030s and has cross Government support.”
Practical completion achieved on more units at Dove Valley Park
Clowes together with their lead contractor, Roe Developments have achieved practical completion at plot 10B and 3A at Dove Valley Park, Foston as part of the multi-million-pound property deal with Hines.
Dove Valley Park’s site owners, Clowes Developments instructed Roe Developments to build 10B (152,466 sq ft) and 3B (110,292 sq ft) stand-alone units as part of the 1.36 million sq ft portfolio with global real estate investment, development and property manager, Hines.
10B unit sits on the southern side of the business park whilst 3A is located on the northern side next to GXO.
The brand-new commercial units were designed by IMA architects and comprise of single storey warehouse with office and welfare space split over two floors at the front of the building. The units benefit from a large secure yard with level-access loading bays and docks.
Both plots have considerable onsite parking facilities with disabled bays and EV charging stations. Warehouse roofs were designed to carry photo voltaic panels subject to the occupier’s requirements. Additionally, these units have floor to ceiling double glazed in the warehouse area and 10% roof lights, creating a brighter environment for warehouse workers.
Marc Freeman, Director at Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, said: “Clowes are pleased to deliver the last two units for Hines’ growing portfolio in the East Midlands and now look forward to delivering the ‘final phase’ of development at Dove Valley Park.
“Clowes together with IMA Architects have recently submitted a planning application to South Derbyshire District Council for the 35.29-acre site creating over half a million square feet of employment space for B2, B8, with ancillary E(g) use. Four units of varying sizes will be created to meet market demand for quality industrial space, along with the necessary associated hard and soft landscaping, car parking and infrastructure.
“In addition, a new Innovation Centre will be created that will serve as a central hub for all businesses in the local vicinity. The aim is to draw people together and provide spaces for gatherings, along with informal meeting space and access to external areas. The Innovation Centre will also serve as a space for start-up businesses to begin and has been developed in consultation with The University of Derby.”
Nottingham fintech Connected Data appoints Head of Data
Data driven technology company Connected Data has appointed Charlie Horner as Head of Data.
Connected Data is opening up and transforming access to vital market data, to improve the way debt is managed by organisations.
As Connected Data expands its data partner network and further integrates them into its services, Charlie will play a key role in evolving and accelerating this work.
Charlie brings with him over 30 years of experience in senior data industry roles that have focused on the effective use of data and analytics to deliver positive outcomes for organisations across various sectors and their customers.
This includes 10 years with the debt management specialist TDX Group (an Equifax company), focusing on the use of data and analytics to help creditors benchmark and improve their collections and recoveries strategies and operations.
In this role, Charlie was instrumental in enabling some of the UK’s major creditors across various sectors make improvements in their debt management activities that led to £millions worth of positive opportunities.
With a specific focus on collections and recoveries, Charlie has also provided strategic and technology advisory and delivery services across clients’ credit management lifecycles for the enforcement market integrator, Just (Part of the Arum Group).
With over 17 years at Experian, the global data and technology company in various analytical, product development and client management roles, Charlie has helped organisations maximise the use of Experian products and services, and achieve significant improvement to their business performance.
On his decision to join the Connected Data team, Charlie said: “I have spent over 30 years applying data and analytics to debt management, so I recognise the immense value that the effective use of data and analytics across the customer lifecycle can bring, specifically when it comes to achieving more positive outcomes for both organisations and their customers too.
“My new role with the Connected Data team will allow me to continue to champion the intelligent use of data to help companies prevent, reduce and resolve customer debt.
“I am very excited to be joining a team of experts that have worked across some of the biggest organisations in the credit industry and a company that is driving real improvements in the way debt is managed with its approach, enabling organisations to more easily contract, acquire, deploy and optimise data from multiple data sources into debt management processes.”
Commenting on Charlie’s appointment, Anthony Sumner, Director of Data and Analytics at Connected Data, said: “The Connected Data vision is to drive true data enablement of customer and debt management processes across all industries, so that organisations can better understand, identify, support and resolve debt issues with their customers.
“Charlie not only brings incredible knowledge in data and analytics, but a reputation with customers and suppliers alike of someone who is driven by doing the right thing and driving positive outcomes for customers and their end consumers. We are delighted to have him join the Connected Data team.”
Kimberley Business Booster Grants open
Businesses in Kimberley interested in applying for the latest Round of Business Booster Grants can now apply online.
The Kimberley Levelling Up Business Booster scheme allows businesses to apply for up to £5,000 to help businesses attract people back into the town centre.
The scheme is part of the Kimberley Means Business Levelling Up project, and follows on from the first two Rounds where over £350,000 has been distributed to local businesses.
The purpose of the scheme is to support local businesses and to enhance the aesthetic appeal of Kimberley, for both residents and visitors, developing people’s pride in the town and attracting footfall in the town centre.
Ryan Dawson, Head of Planning and Economic Development, said: “We’re pleased to be able to announce a third round of grants available for businesses in Kimberley which will help support our local businesses to thrive.
“It’s been great to see how businesses have benefitted from our previous rounds of funding, so we are keen to receive applications from even more businesses in this round with their fresh ideas.’’
Next stages of planning application for new prison approved
Harborough District Council has approved further details in the planning application for the new prison at Gartree, near Market Harborough.
Councillors approved proposals for the appearance and layout of the new prison submitted by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) at Planning Committee on Tuesday 11 June 2024.
The committee also agreed to delegate authority to a designated council officer to approve planning conditions relating to specific issues including drainage and environmental considerations.
These will be discharged in agreement with the Planning Committee Chairman and following receipt of the necessary technical approvals from the expert technical organisations as needed.
In April 2022, Harborough District Council’s planning committee refused the outline application. An appeal from the Ministry of Justice against the decision was received in June 2022.
On Wednesday 15 November 2023 the government announced The Secretary of State’s decision that the Appeal from the MOJ should be allowed and outline permission should be granted, subject to conditions.
The MOJ is expected to start work on site later this year.
Controversial logistics hub gets the go-ahead
Plans for a controversial new logistics hub at St Johns, Enderby, which residents have fought against, have been approved.
Previously receiving refusal last year, the application from the Drummond Estate, now revised, includes plans for warehouses, offices, and gatehouses.
While many elements of the application remain from prior proposals, a planned training centre has now been omitted and replaced by industrial units.
Residents had been concerned about the loss of green space, one of the last between the village and Leicester, the effect on the road network and wildlife.
Public comments on the application saw 2,660 objections made of the 2,699 received.
The vision is for the site to accommodate four logistics buildings and three general industrial buildings.
Central Building refurbishment works commence at Castle Meadow Campus
Refurbishment works have begun to transform the Central Building at the University of Nottingham’s new Castle Meadow Campus.
Delivered by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, the refurbishment works will breathe new life into the Central Building, which sits on the site of the former HMRC offices, helping to establish the campus as a social and commercial hub for the university.
The Castle Meadow Campus is a zone for entrepreneurship and innovation in the city centre, with a sustainability strategy implemented by the university that assesses each development to ensure carbon neutral targets are being met. Encompassing seven buildings, it features state-of-the-art facilities for its community of students, academics, and industry partners.
The Grade II listed Central Building is undergoing extensive renovation works including the complex replacement of the tensile fabric roof to ensure a future proof building, and the addition of a new mezzanine at first floor level offering views of the roof through a large, glazed roof light at its centre.
A new welcome reception area will provide unobstructed views from the entrance into the heart of the building. Alongside this, a new bistro café with kitchen facilities, study spaces and external seating will provide a social space accommodating over 200 visitors.
The new HV power sub stations are now under construction, with trench ducting between the neighbouring buildings being created and new power supplies being installed. Restoration works to the listed concrete slabs are underway, with specialist contractors carefully removing years of paint and debris, bringing the structure back to its original state.
The replacement of the roof is an extensively technical process due to its intricate design. As the build is a predominantly steel framed structure supported by tensile fabric and tensioned steel cables, it’s fundamental that each fabric panel is dismantled in sequence, to preserve the building and protect the fragile and vulnerable elements.
Structural temporary works will be implemented to support this process taking place over a 20-week period.
G F Tomlinson have a long-standing relationship with the University of Nottingham. Previous schemes delivered by the contractor include the Advanced Manufacturing Building at the Jubilee Campus, along with the Biodiscovery Institute and the East Midlands Conference Centre refurbishment at the University Park Campus. With extensive experience of refurbishing Listed buildings, G F Tomlinson also delivered the multi-million redevelopment of the Nottingham Castle.
As part of their commitment to provide added social value throughout the project, G F Tomlinson have already donated 10 dual side benches from the former changing rooms of the building to local football club, Pelican Colts. Year 10 students from Lees Brook Academy, Bemrose School and Minster School have been provided with work experience placements, working alongside the project team to gain valuable on-site skills and experience, helping them to scope out careers in construction.
Managing Director, Adrian Grocock, said: “We’re pleased to be building on our long-standing working relationship with the University of Nottingham to bring this landmark Central Building at Castle Meadow Campus to fruition. The team has worked extensively to plan intricate works for the unique building and roof design, drawing upon our specialisms and expertise.
“The city centre campus is a shining example of how the city can retrofit existing buildings to create sustainable modern facilities, and the Central Building works will maximise the current building’s potential to become a landmark social and commercial city hub.”
Director of Estates and Facilities at the University of Nottingham, Gary Moss, said: “Creating inclusive, sustainable environments is at the heart of our campus development programme.
“This great work with G F Tomlinson, who share these values, will enable the reimagined Central Building to become a welcoming, vibrant landmark at the heart of our new Castle Meadow Campus. With work well underway, including the complex roof replacement, we’re thrilled to be on track for a Spring 2025 opening of our new city centre campus hub.”
Northampton retail sites acquired
Evolve Estates, part of M Core, has acquired a portfolio of retail units in
Northampton as part of its continued strategic growth.
The deal includes 15-27 and 27/29 on Abington Street, the main road linking the
east of Northampton town centre with the Market Square, and 9/15 and 1-13
Wood Street. Units are let to established occupiers such as Waterstones, Barclays
Bank, Bodycare, Holland & Barrett, and Superdrug.
Evolve Estates acquired the units for an undisclosed sum as part of its proactive
acquisition drive in shopping parades, centres and retail parks across the UK.
Joe O’Keefe, Co-Founder at Evolve Estates, said: “This is an exciting and logical
addition to our portfolio, we already own and manage the Grosvenor shopping
Centre which has proved to be a great success.
“This continuity of ownership is great news for the community and local shoppers to the area, aiming to create spaces where businesses can grow and provide the community with further services and retail opportunities.”
Agents acting on behalf of Evolve were Tim Lloyd at Cited, Gregg Goodman as
the solicitor at Clarke Willmott. The vendor’s solicitor was Mishcon de Reya LLP.
Nine promotions made at East Midlands law firm
East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray has made nine promotions across a range of key practice areas, including the elevation of two professionals to partner and four individuals to senior associate roles across four office locations.
Notable among the promotions are Ann Farnill, previously a Senior Associate Solicitor in wills and probate, and Emily Weston, formerly a Senior Associate Solicitor in conveyancing, who have been promoted to partner.
Four colleagues have also been promoted to senior associate: Transport Barrister Olivia Maginn, based at the firm’s Nottingham office, Conveyancing Associates Julekha Nathani and Kiran Phagura, based at the firm’s Leicester office, and Wills and Probate Associate Eleanor Robinson, based at the firm’s West Bridgford office.
Additionally, Family Law Solicitor Charley Kelly, Conveyancing Solicitor Tina Rana, and Wills and Probate Solicitor Aleksandra Cebula, who is based at Rothera Bray’s Beeston office, have been recognised with promotions to associate positions.
Christina Yardley, CEO of Rothera Bray, said: “It is fantastic to be able to recognise and reward the invaluable contribution our people make to the firm and our clients.
“These promotions highlight not only the dedication and excellence demonstrated by each individual but also the firm’s commitment to investing in its people, nurturing talent and fostering growth within its ranks.”
East Midlands fitout specialist Deanestor announces financial results and record £30m order intake
Mansfield-based Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture and fitout specialists, has released its latest financial results for the year ending December 2023 which show a £3m increase in turnover to £22.4m and a record order intake of over £30m.
Forward orders have increased by more than £3m to over £30m compared to the same period last year for projects to be delivered through to the end of 2025.
Turnover rose by £3m in 2023, up from £19.2m in the previous year and again with a healthy operating profit. Net assets in the same period increased by £1.5m.
Projects have been delivered and awarded across diverse market sectors – healthcare, education, student living and build-to-rent – for the manufacture and installation of fitted furniture, bespoke kitchens and specialist joinery, and with a high level of repeat business from tier one contractors and major residential property developers.
William Tonkinson, CEO of Deanestor, said, “This latest set of figures demonstrates strong and sustainable growth for the business across multiple sectors. We have an exceptionally healthy project pipeline and are anticipating an increase in turnover to £24m by the end of 2024.”
“Our financial performance is testament to the hard work of our teams in the East Midlands and in Fife – from design and estimating to manufacturing and work on site – who help our clients achieve the balance between first class fitout services, fitted furniture of the highest quality, and project delivery to the required budget and programme.”
“Quality and longevity are vitally important for fitting out retained assets – from hospitals that are operational 24/7 to co-living apartments that require strong tenant appeal, long-term.”
In Scotland, Deanestor continues to perform well from its regional headquarters in Fife, particularly in the education sector. Current projects include Deanestor’s 13th school furniture and fitout project for Robertson Construction – a £3.8m contract for the new East End Community Campus in Dundee.
Contracts nearing completion in the build-to-rent residential sector include a contract worth around £2.5m to provide 399 bespoke, high specification kitchens for Winvic Construction at New Garden Square in Birmingham – Deanestor’s third project for Moda Living.
Also in the co-living sector, Deanestor has just been awarded a contract for more than 100 kitchens for a multi-tenure project in the EdCity development in London’s White City, working once again with Bowmer + Kirkland.
Hospital fitout contracts totalling £4m have also been secured, the largest of which is a project worth more than £1m for Integrated Health Projects (IHP) – a joint venture between VINCI and Sir Robert McAlpine, to fit out two 54-bed adult mental health facilities at Kingsway Hospital in Derby and in the grounds of Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Deanestor’s latest major project in the student living sector is a £2m contract to fit out the bedrooms, studio and communal kitchens for a 550-bed scheme.
