H2 Equity Partners has invested in Buttress Group, alongside the management team.
Established over 45 years ago and headquartered in Northamptonshire, Buttress sells, installs, services and supplies warewashing and ice making equipment and parts to the UK commercial catering market. Buttress supplies an extensive range of own-brand dishwashers, glasswashers and ice machines primarily through working in partnership with 500 specialist distributors. Its service and maintenance capabilities and spare parts provision extend all ranges of equipment. Following H2’s investment, Managing Director Oliver Booth will continue to lead the business and work closely with H2 to deliver the next phase of Buttress’s ambitious growth strategy.Renewable energy and security firms found guilty of £1.5m scam
A fraudster who promised energy savings and complete home security through his products and services has been found guilty of conning elderly and vulnerable residents out of £1.5 million.
Robin McDonald, aged 45, of Park Row, Bretby, Burton-on-Trent, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation along with charges of fraudulent trading following a five-month trial at Nottingham Crown Court.
The trial took place following an investigation led by the National Trading Standards Regional Investigations Team in the East Midlands hosted by Nottinghamshire County Council. The team is supported by all trading standards authorities within the East Midlands region and represents their collective interests. This case also featured additional support from Derbyshire County Council Trading Standards.
More than 200 victims gave evidence during the trial, which heard how between 2014 and 2015, McDonald had carried out a widespread campaign of fraud and mis-selling through the businesses Sunpower Renewables Ltd and Stirling Technologies Ltd trading as Proshield Alarms.
Sunpower Renewables sold products including solar panels, air source heat pumps, and thermo-dynamic water heating systems to victims, claiming that they would receive a financial benefit through energy savings, that the cost of works was funded by the Government and that they would be compensated through being able to sell surplus energy generated back to the grid.
The court heard how sales representatives from Sunpower Renewables would use bullying tactics to secure contracts, often staying in the homes of victims for many hours to pressure them into signing contracts for works they didn’t want or need at significantly inflated prices.
Works were then carried out to a poor standard and did not deliver on the energy saving promises made at the time of sale. In some cases, solar panels were installed onto rooves which could not take their weight, creating the risk of structural collapse. Sunpower Renewables then failed to respond and rectify the works after victims complained.
Proshield Alarms told customers ‘You’ll be in safe hands 24 hours a day, 365 days a year’ as part of their marketing to sell home security products including Passive Infra-Red (PIR) detectors, window and door sensors, emergency medical buttons/pendants, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
Victims were misled into believing that these products were linked to a system which would guarantee a response from the emergency services in the event of it being triggered.
McDonald will now be sentenced in March.
A second defendant was found not guilty by the jury on the same charges.
Roy Hancher, aged 54, of Light Ash Lane, Coven, Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading and Nicola Mather, aged 44, of Spindletree Drive, Derby, pleaded guilty to money laundering prior to the trial.
Councillor Scott Carlton, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The guilty verdict in this case is a great result and highlights the vital work of our Trading Standards team who work to keep residents safe from fraudsters.
“In this case, the defendant and his businesses deliberately targeted the elderly and those living in vulnerable situations, using dishonest and coercive sales tactics and lies about the quality of their products and the benefit they would bring to their victims.
“I would like to thank all the victims who came forward and worked with our investigators to help bring this case to trial.
“Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards Service always advises residents to be alert to cold calling, never to trade or buy at the door and to always report any concerns. If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t and you should never be afraid to close the door on scammers and those who turn up out of the blue offering to fix problems you didn’t know or think that you had.”
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said: “Homeowners living in vulnerable situations – such as older people living alone – were cynically targeted and pressurised into agreeing to home improvement works that they didn’t want or need, often at highly inflated prices.
“The criminal behind the fraud deliberately pursued more vulnerable victims and spent hours pressurising them into signing contracts using aggressive bullying tactics to line his own pockets, before delivering shoddy work that was sub-standard and could even have caused more damage.
“I’m pleased the jury reached this verdict and hope that the sentences handed down later this year will bring a semblance of justice to the victims involved. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a fraud like this, you should report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline by calling 0808 223 1133.”
SHAPE finds new teaching premises in Nottingham
FHP has handed over keys to SHAPE (Safe Haven Alternative Provision of Excellence) for the premises known as The Exchange Building, Alfreton Road, as they start their new project for bringing further teaching support for children within Nottingham.
The former CityCare building on Alfreton Road presented a rare opportunity to acquire a prominent office / warehouse property within close proximity to Nottingham City Centre, consisting of a modern detached two storey office building providing a mixture of open plan and cellular office space with an additional clear span warehouse to the rear.
The property generated a high level of enquiries throughout the marketing, resulting in numerous viewings and offers, which lead to best and final bids in order to secure the best possible price for FHP’s client. It exceeded expectations with the achieved sale price.
Amy Howard, surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, said: “The Exchange Building was always going to be in popular demand, given the lack of freehold stock within easy access to the City Centre and the hybrid approach the property offered, making it suitable for a variety of uses.
“The sale reflected a great price and I am delighted to see SHAPE handed the keys to endure their new project. It is a great concept for the property and the area, providing additional support for students and I wish them all the best.”
Shamraiz Younas, CEO at SHAPE, said: “It has been a delight to work alongside Amy Howard of FHP, & Will Torr of heb Surveyors on the acquisition of The Exchange Building, a great effort by all in seeing this over the line. This iconic building on one of the main routes into Nottingham is a great asset to add to our fast growing portfolio in our home town.”
Will Torr, partner at Heb Surveyors, added: “The search to find an alternative education facility for our client was a difficult brief to meet but the availability of The Exchange Building meant we could fulfil the requirement perfectly.
“The prominent building is ideally located and the internal configuration enables all of the education provisions to be provided under one roof. Thanks to Amy at FHP who ensured a smooth transaction and we hope Shamraiz and the team have a successful launch.”
5-acre Leicestershire site secured for new homes
The Strategic Land Group (SLG) has secured a new site in Packington, Leicestershire, with the potential to deliver 35 new homes along with new greenspace.
SLG will now work with the landowner to bring the 5-acre site forward for residential development through North West Leicestershire’s emerging Local Plan.
Paul Smith, Managing Director of The Strategic Land Group, said: “Packington is a very desirable location, and this site represents a logical extension to the village, so we look forward to working with the landowner to bring it forward.
“It has all the right attributes for development and would provide much-needed new homes within the area, both for new and existing residents.”
SLG is a land and renewable energy promoter. It is now working with an 18-site portfolio and is actively promoting sites with the potential to deliver more than 2,500 new homes and with a gross development value of circa £750million.
SLG was advised by Shakespeare Martineau and Marrons Planning, while Brown & Co advised the landowner.
What is remote desktop support and how can your business benefit from it?
The digital revolution has ushered in new methods of managing business operations, among which remote desktop support is increasingly prominent. This technology enables IT professionals to remotely access and manage a computer system, offering a lifeline in troubleshooting, system updates, and network management.
Remote desktop support has transformed the way companies approach IT problems. Gone are the days of waiting for technicians to arrive on-site. Now, immediate assistance is just a call or click away, paving the way for uninterrupted workflow and enhanced productivity.
Understanding remote desktop support
Remote desktop support allows IT experts to remotely connect to a computer from anywhere, using the internet. This technology provides the capability to perform a variety of tasks, from software installation and updates to troubleshooting and resolving technical issues. It’s like having an IT specialist on hand, without the need for them to be physically present. The versatility of remote desktop support is particularly beneficial for companies with multiple locations. It ensures uniform IT support across all sites, irrespective of their geographic dispersion.
Remote support for employee empowerment
Empowering employees with reliable companies can save on travel and related expenses by reducing the need for on-site visitors. This support is particularly valuable in a landscape where remote and flexible working arrangements are becoming the norm.
Additionally, remote support tools can be used for training and collaboration, offering an interactive platform for employees to learn and engage with each other. This improves their technical skills and fosters a collaborative work environment, crucial for the holistic growth of the organisation and its workforce.
Discovering alternatives to traditional solutions
In seeking effective remote desktop support, it’s vital to consider various options. While exploring, businesses should discover the top alternatives to TeamViewer for remote support, as different solutions offer unique features and benefits. For instance, TSplus is a notable alternative, providing comprehensive remote access and support capabilities tailored to diverse business needs.
Assessing different solutions enables companies to find a service that aligns with their specific requirements, whether it’s for scalability, ease of use, or advanced security features. A well-chosen remote desktop support tool can significantly enhance IT operations, ensuring that the business remains agile and responsive in a dynamic technological environment.
The business benefits of remote support
Integrating remote desktop support into a business’s IT strategy significantly enhances operational efficiency. Quick response times mean IT issues are resolved promptly, minimising disruption to business activities. This immediate intervention is critical in maintaining high productivity levels and ensuring that technical glitches do not hinder business processes.
Remote support extends beyond just problem-solving. It encompasses proactive system monitoring, timely updates, and routine maintenance, all of which are crucial for the smooth running of IT infrastructure. This proactive approach minimises the risk of system failures and downtime, thereby safeguarding the business against potential losses that can arise from such incidents.
The cost-effectiveness of remote support
The financial benefits of adopting remote desktop support are substantial. Companies save on travel and related expenses by reducing the need for on-site visits. This efficiency translates into lower operational costs, making it an attractive option for businesses mindful of their expenditure.
The scalability of remote support means it can adapt to the varying needs of a business. Small-scale issues can be addressed with minimal resources, while more complex problems can be tackled without a corresponding increase in costs. This flexibility ensures that businesses only pay for the level of support they require, a more economical approach compared to traditional, fixed IT costs.
Enhancing security with remote support
Security in the digital domain is a top priority, and remote desktop support strengthens this aspect significantly. IT professionals can swiftly respond to and resolve security threats, mitigating risks to the business. This rapid response capability is crucial in an environment where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated and damaging.
Remote desktop support also facilitates the regular updating of security protocols and software, ensuring that the company’s IT infrastructure remains protected against emerging threats. This ongoing maintenance is key to building a resilient digital defence, safeguarding sensitive data and business operations from potential cyber-attacks.
The future of IT support
As we look towards the future, it’s clear that remote desktop support will play a pivotal role in shaping IT strategies. This technology aligns with the evolving nature of work and offers a flexible and scalable solution to managing IT infrastructure. Its ability to provide immediate and effective support regardless of location is invaluable in a globalised business landscape.
The continual advancement in remote support technologies suggests an even more integrated and efficient future for IT management. Businesses that embrace these innovations position themselves to benefit from enhanced operational agility, a crucial factor in staying competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
The takeaway
Remote desktop support is an essential tool for any forward-thinking business. It offers a blend of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and security, crucial in today’s fast-paced commercial environment. By adopting this technology, companies can streamline their IT operations and foster a more flexible and empowered workforce. As the business landscape continues to evolve, remote desktop support stands out as a key ingredient for success, driving innovation and ensuring businesses stay ahead in the digital race.
Airfield runway specialist makes senior appointment
Lincolnshire-headquartered global airport runway specialist Jointline has appointed Matt Ragless as Head of Airfield Lining, Grooving and Distribution Centres.
Matt Ragless joins Jointline from Lincolnshire-based BESA Group Ltd, where he was Head of Operations. Prior to that he was the Operations Manager for TMAK Construction Ltd, and previously a Contracts Project Manager for Education Business Partnership.
Mr Ragless commenced his career at T&S Group, where he was based for five years. The 38-year-old brings a total of 17 years’ industry experience to the Witham St Hughs-headquartered firm.
Jointline has undertaken renovation and improvement works at every major civilian airport in the UK as well as runways across continental Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.
Matt Ragless has been appointed to lead a team of 20 experienced technicians, ensuring projects are programmed and delivered to schedule. He also undertakes the commercial aspects of running the department.
Gary Massey, Managing Director of Jointline, said: “Matt has made an immediate impact to Jointline. His ambition, commitment and professionalism are first rate. Matt also has outstanding technical knowledge to help our customers implement the most effective solution within budget.
“The team we now have in place will enable us to fulfil many more airfield projects overseas during 2024 and beyond. This year will be pivotal for the long-term growth and success of the business.”
Matt Ragless, Head of Airfield Lining, Grooving and Distribution Centres at Jointline, said: “Jointline is already known across the industry, but the new investment in technology, machinery and people at every level of the business is creating a new buzz.
“It’s a really exciting time to join such a brilliant team. We hope 2024 will be a year of ‘firsts’ as we put ourselves in the running for larger, more technically complex projects, while making significant inroads into the distribution centre market.”
Mortgage Advice Bureau “significantly outperforms the market” against difficult backdrop
Mortgage Advice Bureau says it has “significantly outperformed the market” in a new trading update for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Trading was better than anticipated in the Derby firm’s fourth quarter, and Mortgage Advice Bureau now expects to report an adjusted profit before tax slightly ahead of the current market consensus.
Meanwhile, despite a difficult market in which UK Finance’s latest estimate of gross new mortgage lending for 2023 is £226bn, representing a 28% reduction on 2022, the business increased its revenue for the year by 4% to £239m.
Peter Brodnicki, CEO of MAB, said: “2023 was an exceptionally challenging year with consumer confidence heavily impacted, resulting in many customers deciding to delay their house purchase or re-financing.
“Against this difficult backdrop I am very pleased with how MAB has significantly outperformed the market. To ensure we are in the best possible shape when market conditions improve, we have continued to invest across the entire Group to drive lead flow and deliver optimal business and adviser efficiency.
“There is a great deal to be positive about, and our technology developments and lead initiatives, including the addition of Fluent, have broadened our addressable market and strengthened our growth plans.”
Up to 60 staff members at risk of redundancy at Laing O’Rourke offsite factory
Laing O’Rourke has revealed that up to 60 staff members at its offsite factory in Nottinghamshire are at risk of being made redundant.
The result of delayed projects, the business broke the news to employees at the Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction (CEMC) on Wednesday, according to reports from The Construction Index.
The firm said in a statement that members of its workforce had been informed of proposals to cut the number of roles at the facility by up to 60.
It added that it needed to reduce operating costs, while continuing to deliver projects and protect its ability to invest in the technology and innovations that will transform construction, as a result of challenging market conditions, that have seen delays to some of the projects CEMC was set to service.
Derby vehicle retailer issues profit warning
Motorpoint Group PLC, the independent omnichannel vehicle retailer, has issued a profit warning following sharp downward used car price adjustments, and disruption caused by floods leading to the Derby store’s temporary closure.
It came in a trading update for the quarter ended 31 December 2023. During the period, macroeconomic conditions remained difficult and were further compounded by sharp falls in used car values and reduced selling prices. Whilst these falls had a significant negative impact on profitability, along with a reduction in finance commission, Motorpoint said it is optimistic for FY25 as the used car market continues to normalise. It added: “Encouragingly, retail volumes improved through Q3 and ended the calendar year roughly consistent with the previous year, reversing the trend of H1. This momentum has continued into Q4 and volumes are growing year on year. Costs remain closely controlled, with further savings achieved in people costs and efficiencies resulting from technology investment.”As a result of the third quarter’s pricing corrections, exacerbated by the timing of the Group’s seasonal increase in stock, in addition to the disruption caused by the Derby store closure, profitability for FY24 is now likely to be £5m-£6m below expectations, even with an anticipated strong fourth quarter.
However, Motorpoint believes that corrective cost and efficiency actions taken in FY24, combined with the positive signs that economic headwinds will ease in FY25, will ensure it is well placed to deliver an improved financial performance in FY25 as the market returns to a more normal trading environment.
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Motorpoint Group PLC, said: “I have previously commented on Motorpoint’s agility and resilience in difficult times, and that I am confident the Group will emerge from this depressed consumer environment a much more efficient business.
“Now, at last, there are signs that the macroeconomic headwinds are easing, leading to renewed consumer confidence. As a result, the market size is expected to increase as demand grows, and supply is bolstered by new car registrations feeding into the used car market.
“The actions already taken to right size the business, protect cash and improve unit economics, mean that Motorpoint is well placed to seize the significant growth opportunity despite this correction in used car values. I therefore look forward with renewed optimism and am excited as to what the business can achieve in FY25 and beyond.”
165 new homes get green light in Glen Parva
Vistry, the mixed-tenure housebuilder, in a joint venture with Sanctury, known as Glen Parva JV LLP, has secured planning consent to build 165 new homes on a 12.5-hectare brownfield site in Glen Parva, Leicestershire.
The green light has been given for the development, which lies to the southwest of Cork Lane, of 97 open-market homes and 68 affordable properties being built in partnership with emh Group, one of the largest providers of affordable homes and care and support services in the East Midlands.
The development will see a former landfill site transformed into a community of modern homes. Approval has been granted following satisfaction of a number of mitigation requirements and the commitment to use proven construction techniques to provide sound solutions considering the site’s former use.
Steve Wilson, chartered civil engineer and technical director at The Environmental Protection Group Limited, said: “Developing a former landfill site such as this requires care and attention.
“There are hundreds, if not thousands, of similar sites where houses have been built over ground previously used for landfill and there are well-established, routine procedures for dealing with this issue. By adhering to these we are able to unlock this brownfield site to help contribute to meeting the local area’s housing need.”
As well as new housing, the development will trigger a £834,196 investment in services for the local community with money going towards education, healthcare, policing, public transport, developing public open spaces, and libraries.
Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry South East Midlands, said: “We are excited to have secured planning permission for our development at Glen Parva. There is a significant need for new, high-quality housing in this part of Leicestershire and this is a major step forward in meeting that demand.
“Through this 165-home development, Vistry will not only be investing over £830,000 in the local community and providing 68 affordable properties, but it will also give many people a first step onto the housing ladder and the opportunity to live in a sustainable community which will play a part in the thriving future of the area.”
Infrastructure works will start shortly on the site and construction work on the new homes is expected to begin in the coming months.
