Growth at Vines Legal sees move to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre
A niche law firm is moving to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, following growth in the town.
Vines Legal specialises exclusively in family law, and has been operating since 2009, originally moving into its first Chesterfield premises in 2012. Since then the team has grown organically, resulting in a move to one of the town’s flagship office developments.
Catherine Wenborn, Managing Director at Vines Legal, said: “We have found moving our premises to Chesterfield a very positive experience.
“The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre ticks all the boxes for this business. We wanted modern, professional office space in the centre of Chesterfield. The Enterprise Centre allows opportunities for the team to expand in the future and provides great opportunities to network with other local businesses who are tenants here.
“Chesterfield is a great place to live and work. It has great transport links to all parts of the country and the business and economic growth within the town is very positive.”
Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, said: “We’re delighted to see Vines Legal growing and investing in Chesterfield, culminating in their move to the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.
“The success of the centre has been there for all to see, with dozens of thriving organisations now operating from it.
“Our town is an excellent place to support the growth of businesses thanks to its strategic location and supportive business community. With excellent transport links and a skilled workforce, Chesterfield offers a perfect blend of opportunity and growth potential.”
Scunthorpe United splits ownership
Scunthorpe United has announced a split of ownership between four of the club’s Directors.
Chairperson Michelle Harness has allocated shares to Roj Rahman, George Aitkenhead and Ian Sharp, with the quartet now assuming equal joint ownership of Scunthorpe United Football Club with immediate effect.
Speaking about the decision to divide the club, Michelle said: “Nine months ago, I took 92% of the shares of the football club from the previous owner and had Roj, George and Ian at my side from day one.
“Since September, we have all worked extremely hard to battle the debt we inherited and work towards a more sustainable model. We’re not there yet, but we have made significant strides, and are on course to achieve this in the coming months.
“While we are at the stage where we can run from day-to-day on this sustainable model, I simply cannot grow the football club on my own, and I must also look to safeguard the business should anything happen to me, and should the football club need some additional support.
“Roj, George and Ian have shown a massive amount of commitment to this football club, and have made a big impact in helping us get to where we are today. Having them in joint ownership with myself will only help us progress further as we look to grow our reputation back to the well-run business that we can remember from years gone by.
“I’d also like to thank all the staff at the football club for their tremendous work ethic, determination and drive to bring us through the last nine months, and to the other members of my Board of Directors, who have all done some incredible work in assisting us to get to this stage.
“I have no doubt you will show your unwavering support to Roj, George and Ian, like you have shown to me so far.”
Vice Chairman Roj Rahman added: “What Michelle has achieved in the last nine months is nothing short of sensational. She will always be our Iron Lady, and everyone associated with Scunthorpe United will forever have the upmost admiration for what she has done to ensure there is, and will always be, a football club within our community.
“We’re all just custodians of this football club at the end of the day, and nothing will change as a result of this joint ownership. Scunthorpe United is a club that will always be for the supporters, for the community, and that will not change, regardless of who has the majority of the shares.
“Having had to go through an awful lot in nine months, Michelle wished to further safeguard the future of Scunthorpe United by welcoming George, Ian and I as joint owners. It’s something we’re all delighted to accepted. The hard work doesn’t stop, it only continues to grow, as we work to provide a football club for us all to be proud of.”
Following the splitting of the club’s ownership, Michelle Harness will continue as the club’s Chairperson, while Roj Rahman will continue as Vice Chair.
Fire sprinkler firm snapped up
Compliance Group, the integrated provider of safety and regulatory compliance services across electrical, fire, and water, has revealed its latest merger with Kettering-based CT Fire Protection.
CT Fire Protection joins Compliance Group’s Fire Division to deliver high-quality fire sprinkler systems and associated services.
Founded in 1995 by Curtis and Toni Waters, CT Fire Protection specialises in fire sprinkler systems and fire pumps, as well as dry and wet risers, fire hydrants, and fire hose reels.
Julian Williams, CEO of Compliance Group’s Fire Division, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome CT Fire Protection into our Fire Division. CT exemplifies exceptional customer service backed by technical excellence. Adding sprinkler services will greatly enhance our offering to our customers.”
Curtis and Toni Waters added: “We are thrilled to join Compliance Group. Our customers, some of whom have been with us for over 25 years, will benefit from the investment in our business infrastructure and access to a wider array of compliance services.”
Viridis supports Sustainable Development category for a further year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024
Viridis Building Services Ltd has returned to sponsor the Sustainable Development of the Year category for a further year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024.
Growing your business by building greener, Viridis are experts in providing sustainable passive environmental building services solutions incorporating renewable, low carbon, low energy, H.V.A.C, M.E.P, systems for the built environment whilst meeting client’s aspirations, helping you create sustainable, appealing and cost-effective buildings on the journey to Net Zero.
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for Viridis Building Services Ltd said: “Viridis are proud to sponsor the Sustainable Development of the Year award for another year. We have promoted this award for the past few years due to our own values as a team and how these fits in with those.
“It allows us the opportunity to review innovative ideas, solutions, and developments in and around the East Midlands. We are passionate about sustainability and are proud to see that others have the same ethos as ourselves with their entries.
“We believe being involved in this award allows us to further promote these pragmatic design solutions to create new relationships to present to others what can be done – to hopefully create an even more innovative sustainable future through places and spaces.
“We are excited to see this year’s entries, as we are every year, and look forward to presenting the winner of this award. We feel that the Bricks is an opportunity to bring everyone in the area together to celebrate our achievements and promote our works to create a bigger and better East Midlands.”
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, recognise development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
Winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction leaders from across the region.
Tickets can be booked for the 2024 awards event here. Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker 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.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Speaking with Business Link, a spokesperson for Viridis Building Services Ltd said: “Viridis are proud to sponsor the Sustainable Development of the Year award for another year. We have promoted this award for the past few years due to our own values as a team and how these fits in with those.
“It allows us the opportunity to review innovative ideas, solutions, and developments in and around the East Midlands. We are passionate about sustainability and are proud to see that others have the same ethos as ourselves with their entries.
“We believe being involved in this award allows us to further promote these pragmatic design solutions to create new relationships to present to others what can be done – to hopefully create an even more innovative sustainable future through places and spaces.
“We are excited to see this year’s entries, as we are every year, and look forward to presenting the winner of this award. We feel that the Bricks is an opportunity to bring everyone in the area together to celebrate our achievements and promote our works to create a bigger and better East Midlands.”
The East Midlands Bricks Awards, which will take place on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, recognise development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes, schools and public spaces. We also highlight the work of architects, agencies and those behind large schemes.
Winning one of these awards will add considerably to a company’s or individual’s brand and enhance their commercial reach significantly.
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:
- Most active agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- 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)
Nominations end Thursday 5th September
A highlight in the business calendar, winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 3rd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening of celebration and networking with property and construction leaders from across the region.
Tickets can be booked for the 2024 awards event here. Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker 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.
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Practical completion for first phase of student accommodation at The Island Quarter, Nottingham
The Conygar Investment Company PLC, the property investment and development group, has revealed that practical completion of its first phase of student accommodation at The Island Quarter in Nottingham has been achieved.
As a result of achieving practical completion, the property, which comprises 693 beds, in addition to extensive amenity space, is now under the control of appointed manager Fresh Property Group and available for occupation.
This will enable their full access to the premises and further enhance ongoing student lettings in good time for the September 2024 student intake.
Robert Ware, Chief Executive of Conygar, said: “We are delighted have to have reached this milestone in the development of The Island Quarter and would like to thank all of the parties involved who have ensured the provision of a very high quality, amenity filled property, which was delivered on time and on budget, and which we believe is a very exciting addition to the student accommodation offering in Nottingham.”
Flexible packaging manufacturer ceases trading after sale unsuccessful
Nottinghamshire-based Surepak Limited is ceasing to trade despite appointed administrators at PKF Smith Cooper being hopeful of a sale following the interest of 96 parties.
Surepak Limited’s financial concerns became apparent during the global energy crisis when its electricity costs increased by more than 425%. This increase, coupled with the loss of two significant contracts, decreased the company’s turnover by c.£1m, due to customers’ packaging requirements changing and the relocation of a customer abroad.
The Nottinghamshire-based organisation sought a buyer after sole director Stuart Yorston filed for administration on 9th February 2024. This was to safeguard the company’s business, assets, and employees from a winding-up petition served by a creditor, which was due to be heard on 14th February.
PKF Smith Cooper’s Business Recovery and Restructuring Partners Dean Nelson and Nick Lee were appointed joint administrators on 12th February. Despite the challenges, Surepak Limited has continued to trade for the short term whilst in administration and the administrators diligently pursued potential buyers, receiving substantial interest from 96 parties.
Despite the optimum effort following a merger and acquisition process, and various offers being received, the sale progression has subsequently been unsuccessful, resulting in Surepak Limited ceasing to trade on 10th May 2024. Incorporated in 1991, the company has been trading for over 32 years, starting out as a distributor, before moving into manufacturing in 2005.
Polypouch UK Limited has purchased the order book.
The administrators said they are disappointed with the ultimate outcome in not securing a sale of the business and assets as a going concern, however they would like to wholeheartedly thank the employees for their hard work and dedication, as well as customers for their continued support throughout this difficult process.
Go ahead given to new food waste recycling site
A food waste recycling operator in Lincolnshire, BioteCH4, has been granted planning permission to build a second anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in the region, increasing the capacity to turn unavoidable food waste into green energy and biofertiliser.
The application for a new plant at the Hemswell Cliff Site near Gainsborough was approved by Lincolnshire County Council’s Planning and Regulation Committee on Monday 3 June.
The new 6MW AD plant will include a waste reception building, three digesters, a gas bag and a new access road. It will produce a quantity of green energy that is equivalent to powering over 19,000 homes when fully operational.
AD is the most sustainable process of recycling food waste, into methane-rich biogas and biofertiliser. Last year, BioteCH4 recycled over 600,000 tonnes of food waste across its six sites, transforming it into 300MWh of energy.
Lee Dobinson, Chief Commercial Officer at BioteCH4, said: “We’re pleased to receive planning permission for a new anaerobic digestion plant at our Hemswell Biogas site. The new facility will increase the group’s processing capacity by 200,000 tonnes annually. This will allow us to meet growing demands for food waste recycling, increase green energy outputs, and further strengthen our voice as market leaders.”
Freeths continues to expand with corporate director appointment in the East Midlands
Law firm Freeths has appointed corporate director Hannah Tessyman to further grow and expand the practice across the East Midlands. She joins from Knights.
Experienced in the sector, Hannah has over ten years’ experience with a particular focus on M&A and complex corporate reorganisations. Her clientele ranges from local and regional businesses to large national corporates.
Hannah’s appointment comes just weeks after corporate partner Martin Smith joined the firm to bolster the practice in the region. Hannah’s arrival is one of several significant senior hires for the corporate team over recent months, with more to follow in the coming months.
In her new role at Freeths, Hannah will work alongside Martin and the national team to drive forward the firm’s corporate presence in the East Midlands.
Commenting on the appointment, Martin Smith, said: “We’re delighted to have Hannah on board as we continue to grow. I’ve worked with Hannah for many years and her ability to deliver a quality service for clients is second to none. It’s an exciting time for the Freeths East Midlands corporate team.”
Hannah Tessyman added: “It’s a really exciting time to be joining Freeths as the firm continues on an upward growth trajectory.
“I was very attracted by how clearly the corporate practice is thriving despite recent and current economic challenges, together with the long-established strength of the firm’s reputation for delivering a quality service to its clients. I am delighted to continue doing that whilst growing our corporate offering in the East Midlands.”
Stephen Eve Financial Planning celebrates its second birthday
Midlands-based wealth management company Stephen Eve Financial Planning has reached its second birthday since it was launched by Ben and Danielle Slater in June 2022. Starting with zero clients on day one, the founders have now supported over 100 clients since inception, with 85 of those becoming ongoing clients who have regular financial reviews.
Based in Regent Street in Nottingham city centre, Stephen Eve Financial Planning helps its clients achieve their financial aspirations by providing a range of services including retirement planning, investment advice and cash-flow analysis.
Feedback from clients over the last two years has been encouraging with some of the highlights being:
“…giving advice without jargon and making the complex simpler!” – Catherine Grainger
“…explaining our options in a thorough, clear, and totally understandable way. We now have confidence in our finance options for the future, thank you” – Bev Orridge
“We look forward to many more years of working with the team at Stephen Eve.” – Martin Schofield
“We feel content and assured that they have our best interests at heart.” – Mary Dugan
Directors Ben and Danielle comment that clients are at the heart of the business but some memorable milestones have also been:
- Moving into the Regent Street office after a year of working from home
- Employing Rav, the business Paraplanner
- Partnering with Switch Up charity to support Nottingham’s young people
- Working with more young people, welcoming them to the office for work experience and supporting graduates at Nottingham Trent on skills bootcamps
- Launching the Check-In service to give clients confidence to manage their own money, if they wish to take a more hands-on approach
- Reaching £35m of assets under management
- Winning the Wealth & Finance International award for Best Independent Retirement Planning Firm 2024
- Becoming a finalist for Generation Next Start Up of the Year Award and national UK StartUp Awards
- Winning the regional UK StartUp Awards Professional Services Start Up of the Year
- Ben being shortlisted for the 2024 Professional Adviser Awards Young Achiever of the Year
- Being featured in publications like The Guardian and Popsugar
- Ben appearing on the Financial Planner Life podcast, with Sam Oakes
Just over a week to go until businesses battle at the 2024 Lincoln Dragon Boat Race!
The spectacular event, taking place on Saturday 15th June, has become one of the biggest in the City’s event calendar, attracting hundreds of spectators and competitors on the day along the Brayford Waterfront.
This year the event is raising money for Lincolnshire’s first responders LIVES and nearly 20 teams have signed up to take part on the day.
Teams include the two headliners Freedom Fire & Security and Siemens Energy as well as other local organisations from across Lincolnshire.
The event promises to be colourful and great fun, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit!
As well as the boat racing there will also be plenty of family activities, food and drink stalls along the Brayford Waterfront for the whole family to enjoy, and there will also be a special performance from Rock Choir Lincolnshire from about 12.30pm on the day.
Teams are encouraged to raise money for LIVES through sponsorship and fundraising.
LIVES is a vital Lincolnshire charity who attend 999 medical emergencies across the county, 365 days a year. Whether they are providing rapid first response support on their doorstep, or highly specialised medical interventions to the most seriously ill patients, they all volunteer their time – for free – to save lives and be there when someone is having their worst day. The charity provide the equipment and training for the ever increasing need.
Charlie McCelland from LIVES said: “We are immensely excited to be announcing the Dragon Boat Race for 2024 after the success of previous year’s event. We need to raise over £1.4 million every year to ensure our highly skilled volunteers are there when a 999 call is made, when minutes matter. The Dragon Boat Race is a great day out and will entice some healthy competition between local businesses in order to raise these vital funds to keep our Emergency Responders on the road and continue saving lives in Lincolnshire.”
For further information and details for the day contact Alex Bennett alex.bennett@ringroselaw.co.uk or visit https://www.ringroselaw.co.uk/about/lincoln-dragon-boat-race/
