Construction milestone achieved for new Football and Community Hub
An important milestone has been reached in the creation of Derby’s new state-of the-art Football Hub.
Contractors Universal Civils and Build have reached the topping out stage of the build at Derby Racecourse, which signifies the completion of the roof on the building. This new sports building will regenerate football, providing sustainable facilities for all-year use, ensuring a long term future for grassroots football.
This project has secured collaborative funding from Derby City Council, the Premier League, The FA, and the Football Foundation. Upon its completion, the facilities will be under the management of the National Football Trust on behalf of Derby City Council, with day-to-day operations overseen by Leisure United.
The new facilities will include three new full-size 3G football turf pitches (FTPs), as well as refurbishment of the existing FTP, a new community building with a community café, reception area, and meeting spaces have been extended onto the existing Football Foundation funded changing room pavilion.
In addition to the enhanced pitch provision, the Hub development will include increased parking spaces, improved entry and exit to the site along with improved foot and cycle paths through the park.
In March 2023, Universal Civils and Build commenced construction of the Football and Community Hub after being appointed to the project by the Council’s leisure development partner Alliance Leisure.
The announcement of the topping stage completion is a significant achievement in finalising the external structure and roof of the community building. In parallel, TigerTurf, the appointed contractor for the 3G football turf pitches, has confirmed that their work is proceeding as planned. The project remains on schedule and will officially open its doors to the community in early 2024.
As planned, the site’s grass pitches have been back in use since early September, meaning football players have been able to return to the Racecourse for their local league matches.
Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Streetpride, said: “Reaching the topping phase of the development of the Derby Racecourse Hub is a real milestone, and we’re now well on the way to seeing the completion in early 2024.
“This development will offer a remarkable state-of-the-art building and pitches for grassroots football in Derby, but it extends beyond football; it will also create inviting community spaces where residents can come together and enjoy Racecourse Park.”
Commenting on construction progress, Will Gardner, Business Development Manager, representing Alliance Leisure, said: “With construction works progressing on time we are really pleased with how the development is coming along. The assembled team have come together to work collaboratively on the Hub and it’s been great to see the progress being made.”
Martin Glenn, Chair of the Football Foundation, said: “The new facilities here at the Racecourse will not only provide a boost to sport in Derby, but also a space for the local community to come together.
“Thanks to the investment we receive from our funding partners, the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is working to deliver more Hubs like this across the country so that everyone can have access to great places to play.”
Council looks to invest in Worksop Market
Bassetlaw District Council is putting forward a proposal to create a new dedicated indoor market area at the Priory Centre as part of a £20 million town centre investment.
In January 2023, the Council was awarded £17.9m of UK Government Levelling Up Funding to invest in Worksop Town Centre, with an additional £2 million in funding provided by the Council and its partners.
In this time, the Council has taken ownership of the Priory Centre and has announced, along with its leisure partners BPL, the creation of a town centre facility that mixes retail, entertainment, and leisure.
Just some of the facilities already confirmed will include a new food court, a bowling alley, climbing wall and indoor adventure play area, as well as new toilet facilities and a Changing Places toilet.
The Council is now asking the public, traders, businesses and local stakeholders for their views on a proposal to create a dedicated, multi-functional, indoor market area that would reposition the markets from their current location of Bridge Street, into the Priory Centre.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place, said: “Through the Levelling Up Fund, we intend to revitalise Worksop Town centre, including making an investment in our markets that will open up a number of new opportunities for both traders and the public.
“A new, indoor home for the markets presents traders with the option to operate seven days a week, 52 weeks per year, should they wish to do so, breathing new life into a market that has been established over many years.
“Being located indoors, at the heart of a major new regeneration project, it also provides a more reliable environment to encourage start-up businesses and create a route of progression for market traders to grow from a stall to a retail unit.
“This proposal will place the markets at the heart of the shopping centre and safeguard them for future years by making Worksop’s markets more financially sustainable and self-reliant.”
Nationally and locally, markets have been in decline over the last 10 years, with the Council’s income from markets reducing year on year. Added to this, the costs of running Worksop’s markets have increased significantly. The current cost to the Council to provide a market now outweighs the income received.
Currently the overall cost to the Council to provide a market in Worksop each year, after income, stands at £183k. The Council’s aim is to reinvigorate Worksop Market so that it provides a sustainable income, allowing reinvestment into the market for the future.
Fairham representatives select Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance as neighbourhood’s charity partner
Representatives from Nottinghamshire’s brand-new neighbourhood, Fairham, have committed to raise funds for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance (LNAA).
Fairham, a 606-acre site, is in the process of becoming a whole new neighbourhood for Nottingham with 3,000 new homes, one million sq ft of employment space and 200 acres of open green space. There will also be a neighbourhood centre and new educational, community, sports and leisure facilities.
Due to Fairham’s locality and the vast amount of construction work taking place on site to deliver this new neighbourhood, it became apparent that in the event of an emergency, it would likely be the LNAA that would play a vital role in saving someone’s life. HSE reported that in 2022 to 2023 out of 135 workplace fatal injuries, 45 happened within the construction industry.
The LNAA offers a vital life-saving service, providing pre-hospital emergency treatments to seriously ill or injured patients at the scene of an incident. Whatever the time of day, they are at the side of patients when they are most in need.
Additionally, its Leonardo AW169 helicopter is one of the most modern helicopters flying today and can reach a top speed of 216mph and has a cruising speed of 180mph; three times faster than a land ambulance, which means its team of highly skilled clinicians can reach anywhere in the counties of Lincs and Notts, including Fairham within 20 minutes.
Fairham delivery partners, Clowes Developments and Homes England, selected the local charity to benefit from any funds raised at the development during the 10-15 year lifespan as they deliver the brand-new neighbourhood.
Lead infrastructure contractors, O’Brien Contractors Ltd contacted Clowes Developments about supporting a local charity with a generous donation of £2,000. Naturally, the partnership with LNAA presented an opportunity for O’Brien to kick start the fund-raising activity with their generous donation to this much needed charity.
Tom O’Brien, Director at O’Brien Contractors Ltd, commented on the donation: “O’Brien Contractors Ltd are proud to support our clients, Clowes Developments and Homes England with not only the delivery of major infrastructure works at Fairham but also in their endeavours to raise much needed funds for Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance.
“As has already been mentioned, the construction industry has a frighteningly high workplace fatal injury rate, to know that we are giving something back to a service that helps save lives provides a full circle moment.”
John Todhunter, Project Manager at Fairham, added: “I am delighted to confirm that representatives from Clowes Developments and Homes England have chosen the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance as its charity partner for its prestigious Fairham Development.
“We are in awe of the service that the air ambulance provides in moments of need and are very aware that they are 100% reliant on public donations. We have a number of fundraising activities planned for the development, which will hopefully raise money and awareness for this excellent cause.
“We wish to place on record our thanks to O’Brien Contractors Ltd for kick starting the fundraising with a generous £2,000 donation.”
The charity’s helicopter is a top of the range Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) aircraft offering head to toe access to patients in flight. Crew also carry blood on board, allowing them to deliver potentially life-saving blood transfusions at the scene. A typical call out costs around £4,000.
Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance’s Corporate Partnerships Manager, Joe Harper, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in the development of the Fairham neighbourhood for their generosity in selecting us as Charity partner.
“Keeping our helicopter in the sky and our fleet of critical care cars on the road, providing a 24/7, 365 days a year service will cost £10m in 2023. As we receive no Government funding, we really do rely on local communities in Lincs & Notts to support our work. Thank you.”
MBO for Loughborough-based electronics manufacturer
Mariam Smith, Managing Director of Datalink Electronics, has spearheaded a management buyout (MBO) of the Loughborough-based company, with the help of KBS Corporate.
Datalink Electronics was established in 1983 and provides a variety of integrated design and production services to a broad customer base ranging from multinational PLCs to start-up businesses.
The two shareholders, Eric Luckwell and Ian Wilson, decided the time had arrived for them to retire and instructed KBS to orchestrate a sale process, during which it became clear that an MBO led by Mariam would be the ideal solution.
Fabio Rambelli, KBS Corporate associate director who oversaw the transaction, said: “Mariam had a very active management role and was gradually taking over an increasing number of responsibilities from the shareholders, which meant she was the perfect person to sell the business to.
“I’m happy the MBO completed as Mariam is absolutely the best person to take over the company.”
In their announcement of the deal, Datalink heralded the MBO as “a pivotal move that signifies a new era” for the business and “a catalyst for strategic evolution.”
“Having effectively run the company for the past 12 months, Mariam emphasises the infusion of new talent, machinery and a streamlined structure,” Datalink’s statement said.
“The MBO brings more autonomy, allowing Datalink to focus on key areas such as talent acquisition and investment in equipment. This new-found independence is set to redefine the company’s strategic direction, creating a dynamic and responsive organisation.
“The post-buyout strategy includes exploring new partnerships and collaborations that align with Datalink’s growth objectives, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in electronic design and manufacturing.”
Fabio Rambelli added on behalf of KBS: “I would like to thank Eric, Ian and Mariam for their hard work on this transaction and for working with us. I wish all parties the very best in the future.”
Ground broken on East Midlands Institute of Technology
A ground-breaking event has taken place for the upcoming East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT) at Derby College Group’s Roundhouse Campus.
The Institute of Technology (IoT) at Derby College Group (DCG) will welcome collaboration between academia and industry to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in technology-related fields. The facility will feature state-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative workspaces designed to provide students with a hands-on and immersive learning experience.Ellis Boyall, Site Manager for Davlyn Construction previously studied at DCG and now is back at the Roundhouse site to manage the IoT build. Whilst at DCG, Ellis initially studied carpentry, then went onto a level 3 NVQ diploma in construction contracting operations at the Hudson and Johnson buildings, completed a foundation degree in construction and the built environment and then gained a Bachelor of Science Degree (Hons) from Nottingham Trent University.
Ellis has considerable experience in construction, and has led many projects, including locally, at Brackenfield Send School in Long Eaton, Mickleover Primary School and Loxley House in Nottingham.And during his time with DCG, he helped with the construction work of buildings at Broomfield Hall Campus. Ellis said of his role at the College: “I didn’t anticipate I would be coming back. However, I am absolutely delighted to lead the onsite work for the construction of the IoT. And it is bringing back many fond memories.“I studied at the College in 2009 and 2014 and it is great for me to be able to apply my learnt skills at the College, as DCG has significantly helped me in my career. And it is particularly exciting, being involved in the building of the IoT, as the new building will help the next generation of learners on their career journey. I also hope I can inspire others to consider joining the construction industry.”Also, during 2024, Ellis will also be addressing the DCG students and giving an insight into his career path and working in construction and he will also be hosting tours around the site for the students to help them understand the elements that they may be working on within their classrooms.Joe Charles, Construction Director of Davlyn Construction, said: “When it came to the IoT build at the Roundhouse, Ellis was a natural choice to lead this. He is excellent at problem-solving and excels at leading teams. “It is a pleasure to be working with DCG on this construction and we are really looking forward to seeing the results of this high-tech build in just under a year.”
The EMIoT is a partnership between Derby College Group, the University of Derby, Loughborough College, and Loughborough University, with the aim to deliver world-class, research-orientated, employer-led learning facilities, founded on clean growth and digital delivery.
The EMIoT is working closely with global powerhouse employers, including Rolls-Royce, Uniper, Toyota, National Grid ESO, Alstom, Fujitsu, and Bloc Digital to ensure programmes deliver a workforce with the future ready skills.Kate Martin, Deputy Principal of DCG said of the milestone: “It is great to have Ellis back, and on this project. It also good to be working with Davlyn, as a local family business who have built their reputation on quality builds.”Kate also commented further on the IoT: “The Institute of Technology represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of education and training at DCG. This facility will not only meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the technology sector but will also serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and industry partnerships. “By collaborating across the FE and HE sectors, the development of the IoT will increase chances for those wishing to retrain or upskill mid-career as well as young people entering the workforce.”Supported by Department of Education funding, the East Midlands Institute of Technology will be open in August 2024, with a college community of 2,000 learners by academic year 2027.The new facility as part of the EMIoT is being built at the front of the Stephenson building on the Roundhouse site in Derby.
Egg business fined £233,000 after 19-year-old’s death
A mother has spoken about her grief after her only child was killed while working at Sunrise Eggs in Loughborough.
Nineteen-year-old Ben Spencer had only been working for Sunrise Poultry Farms for two weeks when he was crushed between a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and a wall on 12 April 2021.
His mum Tracy says she would like nothing more but to “curl up in a ball” after his death at the site in Sileby. “My life revolved around Ben, because it has always been just me and him,” she said. “I used to go out every day, even if it was just for a walk, and we used to go on family holidays, all of us with a caravan.
“Now I’ve got no life. Sometimes I walk the dog at eleven o’clock at night to avoid running into people, I just can’t face getting into a conversation with them. I find myself keeping my distance from everyone, I just can’t cope with the idea of feeling close to someone, even my family.
“My dreams are of Ben when he was younger and I just yearn to be back there. Those years standing on the edge of a football pitch watching him in the freezing cold and now I’d just go back there in heartbeat.”
The HGV was attempting a complex manoeuvre towards a narrow thoroughfare at the Seagrave Road premises as Ben Spencer was walking towards it.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that measures in place for segregating pedestrians and moving vehicles were wholly inadequate.
Sunrise Poultry Farms, of Seagrave Road, Sileby, Loughborough, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 17 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and was ordered to pay a fine of £233,000 plus costs of £8,841 at a hearing at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on 22 November 2023.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE enforcement lawyer Andy Siddall said: “The company admitted failing to segregate vehicles and pedestrians at its workplace in Sileby and that resulted in the tragic death of Ben.
“Accidents like this simply shouldn’t happen and a mother shouldn’t have to hold the hand of her son as he lies dying in the workplace. So please check your workplace transport risk assessments, think carefully, and ensure that everybody goes home safely.”
HSE inspector Alex Nayar said: “Our thoughts today are with Ben’s family and friends. He was at the start of his working life. He should have returned home safely to them at the end of his working day, but because of the failings of Sunrise Poultry Farms Limited, he did not.
“Ben’s death could have easily been prevented if they had adequately assessed and controlled the risks associated with workplace transport, a leading cause of death in the workplace.”
Streets Chartered Accountants reflects on the Autumn Statement
Streets Chartered Accountants has provided a handy roundup of content, breaking down the Autumn Statement.
Post Autumn Statement webinarStreets hosted a post Autumn Statement webinar providing details of the announcements along with an update on topical issues affecting business clients and private individuals during this tax year 2023/24. This presentation was recorded and is now available on demand for those who weren’t able to join live. Click the watch now button below to catch up.
Streets’ guide to The Autumn Statement The Chancellor’s 2023 Autumn Statement contained some important announcements and confirmed a number of changes planned for the new tax year. Following this, Streets has put together a report containing the latest tax and financial information, which is available to download using the link below.
Revenues ahead of expectations at video games firm
2023 revenues are anticipated to be “modestly” ahead of expectations at Team17 Group, according to a new trading update for the current financial year ending 31 December. However some titles within the games label are underperforming.
While the important trading periods of Black Friday and Christmas are not yet complete, management believes the group, which has offices in Nottingham, Manchester, and Wakefield, “remains well positioned with strong traction across its new release and back catalogue titles,” and currently expects 2023 revenues to be modestly ahead of current market expectations.
The business added: “Despite this overall robust revenue performance, certain titles within the Games Label are not meeting internal expectations, resulting in a less favourable mix between higher margin own-IP titles and third-party titles (with higher royalty payments) than anticipated. “In addition, the group was too slow to address some project overspends and has faced some delays in implementing key cost initiatives at Team 17 Games Label. These are now at advanced stages and will continue to bring benefits into next year.“Management continues to be pleased with the performance of astragon and StoryToys. However, since the H1 results, and in the light of the post Covid-19 dynamics, management has re-evaluated the cost structure within Team17 Games Label to align with its core competencies as an indie game developer and publisher.
“In addition, it is also reviewing a number of titles, both under development and already launched, to assess the revenue potential in the current market environment, which is expected to result in impairments recognised in FY23.”
Team17 now expects to deliver full year adjusted EBITDA of at least £28.5m, which includes non-cash title impairments of up to £11.5m.
Legal & General agrees £4.8bn full buy-in for Boots Pension Scheme
Legal & General has agreed a £4.8 billion full buy-in with the Boots Pension Scheme. This buy-in secures the benefits of all 53,000 retirees and deferred members of the Scheme, making it the UK’s largest single transaction of its kind by premium size and, for L&G, the largest single transaction by number of members.
The sponsoring company, Boots, founded 174 years ago, is the UK’s leading health and beauty business with over 2,000 stores and 52,000 employees.
Legal & General has a long-standing relationship with Boots, having provided investment management services to the Scheme for over 20 years. This buy-in begins the conclusion of a de-risking process that the scheme first embarked on in 2001.
This transaction represents another innovative step forward in DB pension de-risking by providing a combined investment and insurance solution for the Scheme’s asset holdings, allowing the Scheme to achieve the certainty of a transaction whilst also maximising value by transferring its assets (or the associated sale proceeds) to Legal & General.
Legal & General worked in close partnership with the Sponsor and Trustee to manage this transaction which incorporated both asset transition and deferred premiums features.
This bulk annuity is Legal & General’s largest ever single PRT transaction.
Cardano was the strategic advisor to Walgreens Boots Alliance and lead broker for the transaction, while Baker McKenzie provided legal advice. Aon was strategic adviser, lead investment adviser and broker for the transaction representing the Trustee, while Sackers provided legal advice. Slaughter and May and Simmons & Simmons provided legal advice to Legal & General.
Andrew Kail, CEO, Legal & General Retirement Institutional, said: “We are very pleased to have agreed this buy-in today with the Boots Pension Scheme, representing our largest ever single transaction. This is testament to our long-standing relationship with the client, and I am proud that we have been able to work seamlessly across our insurance, reinsurance and investment management capabilities to deliver an excellent outcome.
“We are continuing to see an unprecedented acceleration in demand in this sector, driven by more pension schemes being closer to buyout than ever before. Against this backdrop, we have posted a record year with £13.4bn of global PRT written to date.”
Alan Baker on behalf of Law Debenture, as Chair of Trustee, Boots Pension Scheme, said: “This agreement with Legal & General gives added protection to our members’ long-term benefits by removing market uncertainty and other financial exposures.
“We welcome the additional payment from Boots, in addition to the sum it has already committed. As a result, the Scheme will not be reliant on Boots to pay benefits to members and pensions will be protected for decades to come.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Trustee directors and our predecessors, the Scheme officers and advisers for their hard work over many years to reach this positive outcome for our members.”
Sebastian James, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Boots, said: “We are very pleased to have achieved the gold standard outcome for our pension scheme and to have fully secured the benefits of all members with a highly respected insurer. This will provide greater certainty to both the scheme members and to Boots, and is an excellent outcome for both parties.”
Work starts on new affordable homes at former coach station in Nottingham
Building work has started on 39 new affordable homes at a former coach station on Beechdale Road.
The scheme will transform a disused patch of land into a new community, offering affordable housing. Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) have partnered with Nottingham-based MyPad for the build.
The scheme will include a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes to support the variety of housing need in the area. Seventeen homes will be sold for shared ownership and the remaining 22 will be let at an affordable rent to those on the waiting list with Nottingham Home Link.
Each home will have its own private garden and allocated parking spaces; parking for visitors has also been included in the design.
Mark Lowe, Head of Housing and Regeneration, Nottingham City Council, said: “Nottingham needs more affordable housing like this for local families in housing need. I look forward to seeing the build completed and residents moving in to form healthy and sustainable communities.”
Fran Cropper, New Business and Development Manager, NCHA, added: “After many years in the planning, it’s great to see this development begin. There’s an incredibly high demand for affordable housing in Nottingham City, and we’re delighted to be able to deliver homes to people who need them the most.”
MyPad have worked with Nottinghamshire-based architects, Another Kind in designing the development which is due for completion 2025.
Tom Spink, Director at MyPad, said: “We’re delighted to see works now progressing on this site after our team’s hard work obtaining planning permission earlier this year.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Nottingham City Council and NCHA who have both been instrumental in making this regeneration development possible. We’re now focused on completing the build and handing over keys to NCHA later next year.”
