Rothera Bray welcomes dispute resolution consultant
East Midlands based firm Rothera Bray continues its recruitment drive with the appointment of Kendal Litherland as a consultant in the Dispute Resolution team.
With over three decades of experience, Kendal has built a nationally recognised reputation in handling professional negligence claims for claimants against various professionals including solicitors, insurance brokers, barristers, surveyors, accountants, structural engineers, architects, IFAs and SIPP operators.
His expertise extends to resolving disputes for both commercial entities and individuals, through negotiation, mediation and formal litigation.
In addition to professional negligence work Kendal also has experience of a wide range of civil and commercial disputes.
Commenting on his appointment, Kendal, who is a member of the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association, said: “I’m thrilled to become a part of Rothera Bray and the Dispute Resolution team. The team have been incredibly welcoming, and I’m excited to leverage my expertise to enhance the quality of our services.”
Christina Yardley, CEO at Rothera Bray, said: “We’re delighted to have Kendal join our team. With his extensive experience and stellar reputation in the field, his addition strengthens our capacity and expertise in meeting the growing demand for our professional negligence services.”
Acquisition sees emission control technology firm expand
Gainsborough-based Eminox has acquired UK and US based SaveGuard (formerly Culimeta-Saveguard). The move enhances Eminox’s ability to deliver pioneering emission reduction technologies to customers, worldwide.
SaveGuard, known for its highly technical, cutting-edge thermal and acoustic insulation products, has manufacturing facilities in Ashton-Under-Lyne, UK, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA.
It designs and produces a range of automotive products used in vehicle exhausts, including acoustic and thermal insulation materials, Katpak, Thermolastic, knitted products, bespoke sleeves, insulation jackets, and heat shields. The acquisition also includes the FireHalt product line, known for its cavity fire barriers designed and manufactured in the UK.
“The acquisition of SaveGuard aligns with our vision of expanding our value offering and enhancing our technological capabilities,” said Jonathan Griffith, Managing Director of Eminox. “SaveGuard’s renowned products and expertise complement Eminox’s mission to continue the development of innovative emission reduction solutions for our customers, globally.
“In addition, the strong alignment of values between SaveGuard’s operational teams, Eminox and the wider Hexadex Group further reinforces the strategic fit of this acquisition and we are excited to welcome SaveGuard into the Hexadex Group.”
Bleckmann takes over logistics for SuperDry at Burton site
Bleckmann, a logistics service provider, is set to assume control of the logistics operations for Superdry at ‘The Duke’ site in Burton on Trent.
The transition will involve approximately 170 employees, who will transfer to Bleckmann under the same terms and conditions they are presently working under.
No redundancies are planned as part of this transition. Rather, Bleckmann expects to attract new customers to this warehouse, creating more jobs in the region.
“At the European mainland Superdry has been a client since 2007 and we are proud that we also will do their logistics in the United Kingdom,” said Reinardt van Oel, Chief Operations Officer Belgium and UK at Bleckmann.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Superdry, Julian Dunkerton adds: “I am delighted that Bleckmann has now become our Global Logistics provider. This is a partnership that goes from strength to strength.”
Derby-based precision engineering group makes acquisition
Accrofab, the Derby-based precision engineering group acquired by Endless LLP’s Enact Fund III in July 2023, has acquired RTI Advanced Forming Limited (RTI) from Howmet Aerospace.
RTI will be carved out of Howmet and gradually integrated into the Accrofab group.
Based in Welwyn Garden City with 74 employees, RTI specialises in super plastic titanium forming supplying to a long-standing blue chip customer base including aerospace OEMs and tier 1 suppliers. RTI is one of a handful of companies in the world with the engineering expertise to be able to make these complex formed products.
Accrofab’s acquisition will expand and complement the group’s position on single-aisle aircraft and diversifies the customer base across both engine and structural precision engineered components.
Enact will provide fresh capital to support planned improvements to the site and unlock RTIs potential for growth, through new business and increased market share. Accrofab’s turnover will increase from £30m to approximately £50m following the acquisition of RTI.
Since being acquired by Enact in July 2023, Accrofab has continued to grow from strength to strength and is well positioned to grow through further complementary acquisitions. Enact is proactively seeking the Accrofab Group’s next acquisition.
Richard Harrison, Enact Partner in the Manchester office, said: “Since carving out the Derby and Alcester sites from the Bromford Group, the newly formed Accrofab Group is in great shape and we see it as an exciting platform for further acquisitions.
“Enact Fund III is committed to backing the Accrofab Management team with its buy-and-build strategy and so the RTI acquisition marks a key milestone on this journey. We are very excited to welcome RTI to the Accrofab Group.”
Simon Ward, Chair of the Accrofab Group, said: “I am pleased to have completed our first acquisition which builds on our strategy to enhance the capability & commercial offerings of the Accrofab Group.
“The opportunity this unlocks for our customers is exciting, as it builds on the Accrofab reputation for performance which we can now enhance further with a wider opportunity for integrated solutions.”
Enact (Kiran Reddy and Jake Farrell) were advised by Shoosmiths (Elia Montorio & Kendra McCullough), Kroll (Martin Gray, Stuart Finch, Paul Carter, Richard Li & Lucy Edwards), Claritas (Matt Hodgson, Peter Hully & Robin Greenwood), Vista (Dan Blake & Peter Warburton) and Jackson Breen (Allan & Mark).
Cynergy Business Finance will also partner with Enact by providing a new asset-based lending (ABL) facility to support the RTI acquisition, having already supported the original Accrofab acquisition. Cynergy (Danny Monksfield & Brad Shackleton) were advised by Bermans (Dave Gledhill) and SIA (Neil Evans and Ian Dyer).
Howmet Aerospace were advised by Angle Advisors (Cliff Roesler, Michael McCoy & Adam Hale).
Motorcycle company sues Next over t-shirt
Motorcycle company, Harley-Davidson, is suing Leicestershire retailer Next over claims that one of its t-shirts copies its logo.
Harley-Davidson is suing Next in London’s High Court over the top, alleging that its biker angel wings, flames and ‘Rise and Roar’ text, infringes its trademarks, according to the Financial Times.
Reports from the Financial Times reference a lawsuit filed last month, with Harley-Davidson’s thoughts that the product “essentially replicates” the outline of its logo and includes “graphic material and text which is…commonly seen in the context of a motorcycle-based branding and more specifically the claimants’ branding.”
The t-shirt has been sold for children between 3-16 years old.
Harley-Davidson is looking for an order from the court that Next destroy its “infringing materials.”
As well as its motorcycle business, Harley-Davidson also has a clothing division.
Cyber security research wins funding to explore commercialisation
Two projects from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) have won funding from a programme designed to support commercialisation of cyber security research.
Philleted Phish and Telehealth CybrShield are being supported by the Cyber Security Academic Start-Up Accelerator (Cyber ASAP) which is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to help researchers turn ideas into businesses, and develop their entrepreneurial skills.
Cyber ASAP creates a pipeline to commercialise innovation, moving research into marketable technologies, products and services. Both DMU projects align with the UK Government’s aims to boost cyber security protection.
Philleted Phish aims to help prevent people falling victims to scams and online frauds by spotting and stopping phishing emails, a type of cyber attacks that targets people through their emails. People can mistakenly think they are receiving genuine communications and be tricked into clicking links which allow malware or divulging private information.
Cyber attacks cost UK businesses £37 billion a year – and around 90 per cent of these attacks start with a phishing email. Dr Iryna Yevseyeva, Professor Eerke Boiten, Dr Viktor Basto-Fernandes, part-time lecturer at DMU, and PhD student Trevor Wood are developing proof-of-concept software for smaller businesses and individuals. Current commercial solutions are available but cannot be run on laptops and are designed for large scale businesses.
The Philleted Phish team said: “This is a very exciting opportunity. It has the potential to reduce the amount of successful cyber-attacks on small businesses, which will in turn increase their profitability and reduce the flow of funds to organised crime. Domestic users will be able use the service too, keeping them, and their children, safer online.”
The Telehealth CybrShield team are working to protect medical data and make it more secure, using complex cryptography and AI algorithms to scramble online information making it harder for cyber attackers to access.
Telehealth CyberShield device tackles two main issues: financial losses and cyberattacks in the healthcare sector. The team, of Dr Richard Smith, Dr Mujeeb Rehman, Dr Arslan Shafique and Dr Muhammad Kazim, plan to work with healthcare providers to develop it commercially.
Dr Smith said: “Telehealth Cybrshield provides an innovative, highly-efficient and secure device for protecting medical data. It provides real-time, robust security by utilizing a future-proof, low computational complexity approach for healthcare data. It mitigates cyber threats by ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the data it protects and seamlessly integrates with existing data processing devices.”
Nationally the DCMS funding has helped projects to leverage £12,382,895 in additional investment which includes venture capital and angel investment.
All units under offer at new Clay Cross commercial development
A new industrial estate in Clay Cross near Chesterfield has demonstrated success, with significant business demand.
Wingfield View Business Park is a new development, comprising 19 industrial/warehouse units totalling just over 60,000ft².
FHP Property Consultants have been working alongside joint agents, Knight Frank, and have confirmed that all units are now under offer with 50% having already exchanged contracts. The units will be ready for occupation in July 2024.
The business park is being built by Roe Developments who have completed several projects in Clay Cross to date.
Darran Severn of FHP Property Consultants says: “This has been an extremely successful development and one which has been a pleasure to work on. The size of units delivered is exactly what the local market requires, and consequently the majority of these units are going to local businesses.
“There has been a continued demand for units up to 10,000ft² particularly on a freehold basis and the flexibility here has been key to getting all the units under offer.”
Harry Gamble of FHP Property Consultants says: “It has been a delight to work alongside my client in letting out these high quality industrial/warehouse units.
“With businesses starting to be more wary about taking on a new unit, it has been a pleasure to work with all the tenants and purchasers in taking on these units. I wish every business success in the future.”
Following the success at Wingfield View Business Park, Roe Developments are now building out Egstow View Business Park which will offer trade counter and warehouse units in Clay Cross. This scheme should be ready Q2 2025 and three units are already under offer.
Work underway on disability charity’s new hub
It’s been a busy year for Mosaic 1898, a Leicester-based disability charity, since they embarked on an exciting journey to restore and revive an old, at-risk community asset in Whetstone. Their project promises to create a life-enhancing hub of care and support for disabled people and the local community.
Zoheb Shariff, CEO, Mosaic 1898 said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating this moment, a milestone that is a testament to our team, partners, supporters, and community. This is another feat in our charity’s long history that will no doubt be a catalyst to further our work to enrich the lives of disabled people by creating spaces where communities can thrive.”
The charity recently appointed Scope Construction as the principal contractor and inaugurated the build at a humble breaking ground ceremony, celebrating the moment with their people, partners and supporters as well as representatives from Blaby District Council.
Alberto Costa MP for South Leicestershire together with the charity’s Chairman, Steve Smith did the honours of putting the very first spade in the ground to mark the occasion.
Steve Smith, Chairperson, Mosaic 1898 said: “It’s a very exciting time for Mosaic 1898. It hasn’t been easy to get to this point, but taking on the challenges was always going to be worth it. It’s wonderful to see the redevelopment work commence on this project, that will benefit and enrich the lives of disabled people in Whetstone, Blaby, and beyond for many years to come.”
In its 125th year, Mosaic 1898 purchased the site with an ambitious vision. The site consists of 3 buildings, each of which will be carefully transformed into accessible spaces for social good, including:
The Chapel: a space that has been serving the community for over 100 years, will be restored, and preserved, once again to become a place of opportunity, impact, and belonging for the local community.
The Community Building: will be a catalyst for the charity to reach more disabled people through new and existing services and activities. The building will become a truly accessible space, complete with changing, sensory, holistic therapy, and health check rooms.
The Manse: formerly the Church Office, is soon to become an around the clock, four-bed care facility. The Manse will provide sought after short breaks for disabled people with complex needs, while offering much needed respite to families and caregivers.
Alberto Costa MP, an avid supporter, said: “This project is supported by the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities, with a significant grant of £243,180. With work underway, the project promises to be launched later this year.”
Milestone celebrated at £6.25m light industrial scheme in Leicester
Construction of a new industrial scheme in Leicester has reached a major milestone with groundwork complete and steel frames erected.
Commercial property developer, Brackley Property Developments (BPD), is redeveloping a brownfield site off Blackbird Road near Leicester city centre, on behalf of Leicester City Council.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, managing director of BPD was joined on site by Leicester city mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby and main contractor, Wilten Construction Limited, to mark the progression of the new £6.25 million project.
It will create more than 30,000 sq ft of light industrial accommodation, with four new buildings housing 21 small units for start-ups and growing businesses. Units will include roof-mounted solar panels, super insulation and low-energy smart lighting, while tenants will also have access to EV charging and bicycle storage.
The land was previously home to the Ian Marlow Centre, a former housing depot used by Leicester City Council, which contained vacant office, workshop and storage buildings.
BPD won the remit from Leicester City Council to deliver the project following a competitive tendering process. The scheme is being financed by the government’s Levelling Up Fund and is programmed for completion in October 2024.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, managing director of BPD, said: “It is pleasing to see the ongoing transformation of the site and the completion of the development’s steel frame. These new units will deliver environmentally sustainable accommodation within Leicester City and go some way to meeting the significant local demand for commercial employment workspace.”
City mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby said: “These much-needed industrial units will breathe new life into a vacant council site and help meet the urgent demand for commercial and industrial workspaces for start-up and growing businesses within Leicester City.
“Along with supporting local employers and the creation of new jobs, these new buildings and workspaces also demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting the local economy through investment in cleaner, greener low carbon developments.”
Johnsons Aggregates & Recycling targets net zero with six-figure investment
BGF-backed Johnsons Aggregates has made a major six-figure investment in new technology and equipment as it accelerates its carbon reduction strategy.
The business recycles incinerator bottom ash (IBA), reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Metals are extracted from the IBA, turning the residue into a quality aggregate suitable for the construction industry, thereby avoiding any material going to landfill and prolonging the life of finite resources in the country.
Johnsons currently handles more than 700,000tonnes per annum of waste and quarried material, projected to rise to 1,000,000tonnes in the next 24 months.
It is committed to an ambitious carbon reduction program as part of its ESG strategy, reducing its carbon output by 33 per cent to date since 2020.
It has invested £750,000 on the installation of the latest technology PV panels across the two largest of its three processing sites, generating circa 700kwh of annual energy generation. The investment will save more than 200 ton of carbon emissions each year, with periods of self-sufficiency.
2024 will also see further exploration with bio fuels & electric vehicles on the road, as well as electric shovels and kit on sites, plus the introduction of hydrogen fueled vehicles, two of which will be operational by the end of 2026.
Lewis Johnson, CEO of Johnsons Aggregates and Recycling, said: “The waste sector has a lot of work to do in reducing carbon output – we’re proud to be leading the way with these significant investments which form part of an ambitious ESG strategy. It’s vital that the industry commit to major innovation and improvement as we target net zero carbon.”
BGF backed Johnsons Aggregates in 2016.
Jonathan Earl at BGF said: “Johnsons has made significant capital investments across its infrastructure and is also focused on major fleet improvements and other new technologies. Its ambition is matched by its performance, which is fantastic to see – investment in ESG is vital for the long-term, sustainable growth of the business.”
