Administrators appointed to Robinsons Caravans group companies

Tess Egginton
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Administrators appointed to Robinsons Caravans group companies

Ryan Grant and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators to Golden Castle Caravans Limited and Robinsons Caravans Limited on 11 March 2024 and 14 March 2024.

Both companies are part of the Robinsons Caravans group which retails caravans and motorhomes from dealerships located across the Midlands and the South West.

Based in Twigworth, Gloucester, Golden Castle Caravans Limited sells new and used caravans and motorhomes, including from some of the UK’s leading manufacturers.

Robinsons Caravans Limited sells new and used caravans and motorhomes from two sites in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, and Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

While certain companies across the Robinsons Caravans group have been historically profitable, others have experienced lower than expected sales volumes in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis and pressure on household disposable incomes. This in turn served to place financial pressure on the wider group, which in recent times had become increasingly unsustainable.

As a result of these mounting pressures, the directors sought to undertake a review of their investment, refinance and sale options. When it became clear that a solvent solution could not be found, they took the decision to seek the appointment of administrators.

Immediately following their appointment, the joint administrators sold the business and assets of Golden Castle Caravans Limited to Gloucestershire Leisure Limited, a connected party by virtue of one of the directors. Seventeen members of staff have transferred to the purchaser as part of the transaction.

Separately, following their appointment to Robinsons Caravans Limited, the joint administrators sold certain of the business and its assets to a Storebon Holdings Limited, part of the Couplands Caravans group. Nine members of staff based at the Robinsons Caravans site in Worksop have transferred to the purchaser as part of the transaction.

The Robinsons Caravans site in Chesterfield, however, is not included in the transaction and as a result, will close with immediate effect. Consequently, 16 members of staff have been made redundant. The joint administrators will be providing support to all those impacted by redundancy, including assisting with claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.

Ryan Grant, managing director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “These have been testing times for many businesses across the leisure sector as a result of high cost inflation and fragile consumer confidence. We are pleased to have secured these two transactions which safeguard the future of Golden Castle Caravans and the Robinsons Caravans operations in Worksop.”

Leicester College re-opens Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering facilities following multi-million investment

Michael Fisher
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Leicester College re-opens Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering facilities following multi-million investment
Leicester College will formally open its Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering facilities at the Abbey Park campus following an exciting multi-million-pound investment in resources, equipment and teaching spaces. This will enable the College to provide industry standard technical training to students and employers across the region. Leicester College is one of the largest providers of advanced manufacturing and engineering education in Leicester and Leicestershire. The project was supported by capital funding via the T Level capital fund. The upgraded facilities will improve the practical and technical experience for existing and future students, studying for T Level qualifications in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing (Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering) and Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, together with a range of other programmes, including new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) in Engineering. They will also enable the College to continue to support regional employers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to develop the engineering workforce of the future. Verity Hancock, Principal of Leicester College, said: “I’m so excited about this huge refurbishment. Our hard-working engineering students and staff deserve the superb facilities and equipment that have been developed. The College is grateful to the Department for Education for their investment and to everyone – designers, architects and builders – who have made this happen.”

Neupulse secures funding to advance world’s first wearable device to tackle Tourettes Syndrome

Michael Fisher
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Neupulse secures funding to advance world’s first wearable device to tackle Tourettes Syndrome
Neupulse has secured funding to advance the world’s first wearable device aimed at tackling Tourettes Syndrome (TS) and other tic disorders towards commercialisation.  Neupulse’s recently finalised working prototype stimulates the median nerve in the wrist, reducing the frequency of tics in individuals with TS, a condition that is thought to affect as much as 2 per cent of the world’s child population and 1 per cent of the overall population.  Clinical trials in 2023 showed the Neupulse device can reduce tics by over 25 percentile. Neupulse has secured a £2.5 million seed stage investment led by Scottish impact investor Eos Advisory, alongside a consortium including US-based investors, as Neupulse moves towards regulatory approval phase in the UK, Europe, and the USA. Tourettes Syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalisations known as tics.  The causes of TS and other tic disorders remain unclear, but genetic and environmental factors are known to play a role.  TS can cause significant pain and discomfort for those affected, through the hundreds of daily involuntary and often violent motions, in addition to impacting social integration in schooling, work, and wider society. Paul Cable, CEO of Neupulse, said: “Tourettes Syndrome is a debilitating condition, severely so in many cases and to the detriment of quality of life, and our mission is to drastically reduce tics with an easy-to-use wearable device that will be transformative to the lives of affected individuals.  Our device is an alternative to the current provision of treatment for TS, which is centred around medication and cognitive behaviour therapy.  The goal is for Neupulse to be available to the TS community globally in the years ahead.” Ana Stewart, Partner, Eos Advisory, said: “Eos was set up to back science-based companies and founders developing technologies that can positively impact the lives of people across the globe.  Whilst we are focussed on Scottish startups, when one of our investors brought the amazing work of Neupulse to our attention we realised that there was a huge opportunity to add value, well beyond the investment, to help bring this device to market and improve the lives of people affected by TS and related conditions.  What’s even more exciting, is how the nascent technology could be beneficial for many other neural conditions in the future.”

Local housebuilder set to bring 93 new homes to Nottingham

Tess Egginton
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Local housebuilder set to bring 93 new homes to Nottingham

A local housebuilder is set to bring 93 homes to Fairham, in Nottingham.

Work is set to begin for Redrow East Midlands, who will be joining the Fairham scheme with planning now officially granted by Rushcliffe Borough Council.

Dovecote Grange will include a mix of private and affordable homes for those in the community, including a mix of three, four and five bedrooms on offer from the housebuilder’s Heritage Collection.

The properties will also be part of Redrow’s new Eco Electric generation, featuring air source heat pumps and underfloor heating as standard – designed to significantly reduce energy bills.

Dovecote Grange will form part of the wider 606-acre Fairham site, which will see a new neighbourhood created in the region, bringing new homes, employment opportunities, as well as a new sense community to this area of Nottingham. There will be shared foot and cycling paths, £100m invested in new infrastructure and 200 acres of open space as part of the scheme.

Ryan O’Sullivan, Sales Director at Redrow East Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to have been granted planning permission for this exciting new development. Dovecote Grange will provide much-needed new homes in the area and we’re thrilled to become part of the wider Fairham development.

“Here at Redrow East Midlands, we’re passionate about prioritising sustainability, which is why each home we build will be part of our Eco Electric generation, future proofed with air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and improved insulation.

“We anticipate homes will be incredibly popular, with lots of people looking to Fairham as a vibrant new community with positive prospects for the local area. Now that work is set to begin on site, we’d encourage those looking to purchase a home to register their interest as soon as possible.”

Construction underway on new further and higher education campus in Skegness

Tess Egginton
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Construction underway on new further and higher education campus in Skegness
Construction has started on the new campus for Skegness TEC which will deliver further and higher education courses for the residents of Skegness and surrounding communities. The new campus, supported by a £14 million government-funded Connected Coast Town Deal, is set to make a huge impact in the community, offering further and higher education tailored towards vocational skills training to meet local needs. Having gained planning permission from East Lindsey District Council last year, works are now underway on the Wainfleet Road site, led by contractors Hobson and Porter. Ann Hardy, CEO of TEC Partnership, said: “I am delighted that construction is underway on our new Skegness Learning Campus. It is going to be great to see our designs and plans become a reality. The new learning campus will bring with it a broad curriculum and new opportunities for the community of Skegness.” Chris Baron, Chair of Connected Coast, said: “It is fantastic to see work now underway on the Learning Campus, a development set to be genuinely transformational for local people, offering access to training in much-needed subjects in Skegness. “The Learning Campus is Connected Coast’s flagship Town Deal, and it has the potential to be an economic game changer for the area, allowing people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to get the jobs they want. “The start of work is a hugely significant milestone, and I look forward to seeing this exciting new facility come out of the ground over the coming months, ready to welcome students in 2025.” The campus will in turn bring enhanced employment opportunities and a broader range of curriculum tailored to economic changes and demands. Over the coming years, the project aims to help over 1,000 residents into employment, supporting growth in the local economy and enriching the community.

The best ways to support and develop your employees this year

Tess Egginton
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The best ways to support and develop your employees this year
The importance of supporting and developing employees has never been more obvious. For businesses in the UK, where competition for top talent is fierce and the pace of change is so fast, creating a culture that prioritises employee development is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. This year, as companies push to move through the complexities of the post-pandemic world, focusing on effective strategies to support and grow their workforce is absolutely crucial.  Create a culture of continuous learning The ground floor of any initiative to support and develop employees is the cultivation of a culture that understands the importance of continuous learning. Things move so quickly and the ability to adapt and grow is crucial for both individual and organisational success. A culture of learning encourages curiosity, innovation, and resilience, enabling employees to meet the challenges of their roles and contribute more effectively to the organisation’s goals. Implementing a learning culture:
  • Encourage learning at all levels: Lead by example. Management should actively engage in learning opportunities, demonstrating the value placed on continuous personal and professional development.
  • Personalise learning pathways: Recognise that employees have varied learning styles and career aspirations. Work with them to create personalised learning plans that align with their goals and the needs of the business.
  • Leverage technology: Utilise online platforms and e-learning tools to provide flexible, accessible learning opportunities. Many platforms offer courses ranging from technical skills to leadership development.
Invest in training Investing in employee training is a direct way to support their development and enhance the skillset within your organisation. Training can take many forms, from formal courses and workshops to on-the-job training and mentoring programs. Effective training not only boosts employee performance but also increases job satisfaction and engagement, as it demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to its growth. Strategies for effective training:
  • Assess needs regularly: Conduct regular skills audits and consult with employees to identify training needs within your team. This ensures that training initiatives are targeted and relevant.
  • Diverse training methods: Incorporate a mix of training methods to cater to different learning preferences. This might include in-person workshops, online courses, webinars, and peer-to-peer learning. For example, if you’re looking for training for the leaders in your company, look for leadership skills training that suits different stages. Impact Factory can tailor their skills courses to suit your needs. 
  • Measure impact: Evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes by measuring improvements in performance and feedback from participants. This can help refine future training initiatives and demonstrate ROI to stakeholders.
Provide constructive feedback Feedback is a powerful tool for development when delivered effectively. It provides employees with insight into their performance, highlighting strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Constructive feedback, delivered in a supportive and respectful manner, can motivate employees to develop their skills and contribute more effectively to their teams. Delivering constructive feedback:
  • Regular check-ins: Don’t wait for annual reviews to provide feedback. Regular one-to-ones offer timely insights into performance and development needs, fostering a more responsive and dynamic growth environment.
  • Focus on development: Frame feedback in terms of development opportunities. Discuss actionable steps for improvement and offer support in achieving these goals.
  • Create a two-way dialogue: Encourage employees to share their perspectives and aspirations. This not only helps tailor development efforts but also reinforces their role as active participants in their growth journey.
These strategies represent foundational elements in the endeavour to support and develop employees effectively. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, investing in targeted training, and providing constructive feedback, organisations can enhance their workforce’s skills, motivation, and engagement. As we move deeper into more strategies, it’s important to remember that the ultimate goal is to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern workplace. Encourage mentorship and coaching Mentorship and coaching are powerful tools for personal and professional development, offering employees guidance, support, and insights from more experienced colleagues. These relationships can help individuals navigate workplace challenges, develop new skills, and advance their careers, contributing to a stronger, more cohesive organisational culture. Implementing effective mentorship and coaching:
  • Formalise mentorship programs: Establish structured mentorship programs that pair less experienced employees with seasoned professionals. Provide guidelines and training for mentors to ensure they are prepared to offer valuable support.
  • Offer professional coaching: Consider investing in professional coaching for high-potential employees. Coaches can work with individuals on specific development areas, leadership skills, or career progression plans.
  • Promote peer learning: Encourage informal mentorship and peer learning opportunities within teams. Sharing knowledge and experiences can foster a supportive learning environment and enhance team collaboration.
Support work-life balance Supporting employees’ work-life balance is crucial for their well-being and overall job satisfaction. A healthy balance can prevent burnout, increase engagement, and improve productivity. Especially in today’s fast-paced work environment, recognising the importance of personal time and flexibility can significantly impact employees’ loyalty and commitment to the organisation. Strategies to support work-life balance:
  • Flexible working arrangements: Offer flexible working options, such as remote work, flexible hours, and compressed workweeks. These arrangements can help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities more effectively.
  • Encourage time off: Promote a culture that values taking time off for rest and rejuvenation. Ensure that employees feel comfortable taking their full entitlement of annual leave without fear of falling behind or being perceived as less committed.
  • Provide resources for well-being: Offer access to well-being resources, such as employee assistance programmes, mindfulness sessions, or fitness memberships. Supporting employees’ physical and mental health contributes to a more positive and productive work environment.
Promote internal mobility Offering opportunities for internal mobility and career progression not only helps retain top talent but also supports employee development by exposing them to new challenges and learning opportunities. Internal mobility can take many forms, including promotions, lateral moves, or project-based assignments, allowing employees to explore different roles and departments within the organisation. Helping to create internal mobility:
  • Career pathing: Work with employees to understand their career aspirations and identify potential paths within the organisation. Transparent discussions about career progression can motivate employees to develop the skills needed for future roles.
  • Skill-based assignments: Encourage participation in cross-functional projects or task forces. These opportunities allow employees to apply their skills in new contexts and learn from colleagues in different areas of the business.
  • Transparent job postings: Ensure internal job openings are widely communicated. Providing clear information about the skills and experiences required for each role can help employees identify development areas and apply for positions that align with their career goals.
Final thoughts Supporting and developing employees is a multifaceted process that requires commitment and creativity from organisational leaders. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, investing in training, providing constructive feedback, encouraging mentorship and coaching, supporting work-life balance, and promoting internal mobility, businesses can create an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to grow.  Organisations that prioritise employee development are better positioned to attract and retain top talent, drive innovation, and achieve long-term success. Remember, the strength of your organisation lies in the capabilities and commitment of your people. Investing in their development is not just a strategy for individual growth but a cornerstone for building a resilient and thriving business.

Bassetlaw secures £20m levelling up boost

Tess Egginton
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Bassetlaw secures £20m levelling up boost
Bassetlaw will receive a £20 million boost as part of a major regeneration project announced by Government. The funding is part of the wider £400 million Levelling Up Partnerships in England, with the cash going to the 20 areas most in need for levelling up. Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young said: “This new Levelling Up Partnership is massive news for Bassetlaw and will make a real difference the region. This £20 million I’m announcing today builds on the millions we’ve already invested in the area to regenerate, level up and create new opportunities for local people. “We are working closely with the Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, and other local leaders, as part of our plans to Level Up the East Midlands, including by creating the East Midlands Combined Authority which will give local communities more power to shape decisions which directly affect them.” The package of investment includes:
  • £14m to redevelop old print rooms in Worksop, a vacant retail unit in Priory Shopping centre and a derelict site in Harworth & Bircotes. This will help create a new education centre, NHS health and wellbeing centre, and community hub.
  • £3m for streetscaping in Retford, Worksop and Tuxford town centres, helping to improve access and tackle anti-social behaviour.
  • £1.5m for Worksop to renovate derelict land and create a community farm shop.
  • £1m to redevelop Retford Town Hall into a new community space, including a banking hub and £150,000 for investment in Manton Children’s centre in Worksop for use as a Family Hub whose services will support local families.
  • £120k of funding to the Council to support them in their local skills scoping work to ensure people can make use of the economic opportunities that STEP will bring and strategic visioning for the arrival of STEP.
  • £100k of funding for studies to help improve the town centres of Bassetlaw, which will further prepare the town and surrounding areas for the arrival of STEP.
This builds on the significant investment already made in Bassetlaw, including nearly £18 million from the Levelling Up Fund, over £3 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as well as £20 million from the Long-Term plan for Towns. James Naish, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “This £20 million investment through the Levelling Up Partnership will help to propel change and generate more life chances and opportunities for residents of all ages across Bassetlaw. “The range of projects – put forward by the Council to purposefully cover the whole of the District – includes supporting improvements to the streets where people live and shop; creating new exercise and training opportunities; investing in community spaces such as banking and family hubs; and promoting the employment, business and educational opportunities created by the planned prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton. “Among the eight confirmed projects, there are schemes in Tuxford and Harworth & Bircotes as well as Retford and Worksop, all of which contributes to delivering the Council’s vision for Bassetlaw as a whole to become an even better place to live, work and do business.”

Family run motor group acquires Burton car retailer

Tess Egginton
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Family run motor group acquires Burton car retailer
Read Motor Group has expanded their net in a takeover of Burton car retailer, TL Darby. A longtime Volkswagen dealership, the latest move will see the TL Darby Volkswagen dealership become Read Hyundai Burton. As well as being the place to go for all things Hyundai in Burton, the dealership however will still be working closely with Volkswagen to maintain its current Aftersales service to Volkswagen customers old and new. As a Volkswagen authorised repairer, the same Volkswagen expert after sales team will continue to service and MOT all Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda and Cupra at the site as always. The Read Motor Group has grown from a single Hyundai site in 2010, to spanning 10 sites across the North and Midlands area. It is family owned and run, with company owner Mike Read still very much in the driving seat of the business. TL Darby has been a recognisable name and family-run business in the local area for over 50 years, and as such, owner Richard Darby was keen to be handing over the reins to a fellow family-run business owner. The Read Motor Group owner, Mike Read said: “Richard and the team at TL Darby have long been an important part of the local community, and I am proud to continue his legacy by serving customers in the Burton area with the same team, looking after customers old and new alike. The Hyundai brand is a very exciting brand and has some great things to offer, and I very much look forward to bringing it to Burton.”

Recycling initiative launched to transform lives of homeless people

Tess Egginton
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Recycling initiative launched to transform lives of homeless people

A new programme, devised by the charity Framework, can help businesses recycle domestic or office furniture, electrical appliances, fixtures and fittings and, at the same time, transform the lives of homeless people.

Framework provides supported accommodation for around 3,000 homeless people each year across Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Every year Framework furnishes and equips around 600 units of accommodation – mostly one-bed flats – at an annual cost of £660,000.

The Furnishing Futures scheme aims to help two types of business. It offers a solution for producers, suppliers and retailers seeking to dispose of dead stock including furniture, electrical appliances, kitchenware, soft furnishing and bedding. The scheme is also aimed at businesses wishing to recycle and repurpose items following a refurbishment.

Furnishing Futures is designed to accept either regular or one-off donations. Every donation will receive an impact report to help the business demonstrate the resulting social and environmental impact – outlining the number of people helped and the number of items diverted from landfill. This information can be used to show progress towards achieving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.

Nottingham’s Lace Market Hotel has recently become the first donor to the new Furnishing Futures scheme with the provision of beds, desks and chairs. Area Sales Manager Richard Adamson said: “We are proud to have supported Framework’s Furnishing Futures initiative, contributing to their mission to end homelessness and tackle disadvantage by helping to furnish properties for local people experiencing homelessness.

“This initiative is ideal for hotels like ours as we are currently going through a soft refurb. Instead of disposing of these items in a less environmentally- and socially-conscious way, we wanted to ensure our old furniture could help give a new lease of life to someone who needs it.

“We are big believers in helping make our local community a safer, cleaner and more comfortable place for everyone. By working in partnership with Framework we are delighted to have been able to do just that and we would urge other hotels and businesses to consider doing the same.”

Matt Cooke, the Framework fundraiser managing the scheme, says: “The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) estimates that, in 2020, the UK generated approximately 28 million tonnes of commercial waste, much of which was incinerated or sent to landfill.

“That waste will have included many thousands of items of hard and soft furnishings – often in great condition or still brand new – that could have had a new lease of life.

“What many producers, suppliers and retailers might consider ‘dead stock’ is seen by charities like Framework as something that can help build new lives.

“We want to highlight the opportunity to businesses who have a problem disposing of high-quality, ex-display, returned or end-of-line hard or soft furnishings, electrical appliances, kitchenware and bedding.

“In addition, Furnishing Futures is relevant to businesses who are contemplating refurbishment and are looking for a disposal solution that is both cost-free and demonstrates their sense of social and environmental responsibility. We are very grateful to the management at the Lace Market Hotel in Nottingham who have recently provided proof of concept by becoming our first Furnishing Futures donor.

“We invite businesses to join forces with Framework through our Furnishing Futures initiative and donate their stock to give it – and the people we support – a new lease of life.

“Our charity faces immense cost-of-living pressures – for instance our annual fuel bill rose by 81% in the past year meaning there was £1.3m less to spend on supporting people in need. By saving us the cost of purchasing new goods, businesses participating in Furnishing Futures will enable us to divert similarly much-needed resources to support the growing number of people seeking our support in these difficult times.

“Furnishing Futures offers a win for businesses; it is also a win for Framework and the people we support, and it’s definitely a win for the environment!

“So we look forward to working with interested business partners to make a difference together through this exciting and innovative project.”

To turn an empty house or flat into a welcoming home for someone who has been experiencing homelessness the items needed by Framework include:

  • Furniture: 2-seater sofas, dining tables and chairs, coffee tables, bedside tables, wardrobes, chests of drawers and single bed frames

  • Electrical appliances: kettles, toasters, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, TVs, smartphones with chargers, laptops with chargers

  • Kitchenware: cutlery, dining sets (bowls, plates, mugs), cooking utensils, cooking pans, oven trays

  • Bedding: mattresses, sheets, duvets and covers, pillows and cases

  • Furnishings such as roller blinds, lamps and lampshades.

Harris Lamb appoints principal ecologist

Tess Egginton
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Harris Lamb appoints principal ecologist

Property consultancy Harris Lamb has appointed a principal ecologist to its CIEEM-accredited environmental department to meet the growing demand for its services.

Susan Sweetman joins from Wakefield Council and brings more than 15 years experience in key ecological roles throughout the UK to the business, including positions at Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Susan, who has an Honours degree in Zoology from the University of Edinburgh and a master’s degree in Conservation and Biodiversity from the University of Leeds, has a particular passion for botany and nature-based solutions.

Dr Holly Smith, head of Harris Lamb’s Environmental department, said: “We are delighted to welcome Susan to our team, where, thanks to her enthusiasm and extensive experience within the field, she will be a huge asset.

“Susan brings a diverse range of skills to the business, including a track record of conducting ecological appraisals, protected species surveys, Environmental Impact Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and is also experienced in providing advice on ecological legislation, policy and knowledge to clients, community groups, landowners, planners and developers.

“Her understanding and confidence in explaining the risks to the environment and penalties faced by stakeholders are essential skills that will be of huge benefit to our clients,” added Holly.

Susan has a passion for protected species, having obtained a Natural England great crested newt survey licence and gained a wealth of experience carrying out bat surveys on top of voluntary work conducted with the Derbyshire Bat Group, in addition to pursuing further experience of carrying out surveys for otter, water vole and white-clawed crayfish.

Susan said: “I was attracted to Harris Lamb due to its excellent reputation for practising ecology within the commercial sector, and I welcomed the opportunity to continue to work with a diverse range of stakeholders to advise on and oversee ecological projects and further their understanding of the importance of sustainability.

“I am passionate about protecting species and habitats and helping them to thrive and am looking forward to providing additional ecological expertise to the commercial and residential developments, and to helping to bring these to fruition while both protecting and enhancing wildlife and biodiversity throughout the country.”

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