Midlands developer awarded for response to climate crisis

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Midlands developer awarded for response to climate crisis

A Midlands housing developer has received national award recognition for its response to climate change.

Northamptonshire-based Cora were crowned winners of the Just Transition Award at the Edie Net-Zero Awards in London on Wednesday, November 15.

The award recognises businesses making strides in their journey to becoming net zero, with Cora having set targets to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 ahead of its 2050 net zero ambitions.

As a profit-with-purpose housebuilder, Cora has invested heavily into green policies – including its Grow Local programme, which allocates procurement preferences to smaller suppliers within a 50-mile radius of its developments.

It also recycled 96% (374 tonnes) of construction waste in 2021 while planting more than 9,000 trees and shrubs on its sites.

Luke Simmons, Managing Director of Cora, said: “At Cora we are dedicated to creating amazing places – and we can’t do that without having a key focus on the environment.

“All of us have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint and take steps to building a greener world. We are thrilled to receive recognition for our hard work with this prestigious award.”

Judges also commended Cora for its use of solar energy to power its compounds and for plans to use off-site construction for 80% of home completions by 2025.

Research is continuing into innovative wastewater heat recovery systems for its homes, with a target also set to stop the installation of fossil fuel heating systems.

This is not the first time Cora has been recognised for its environmental credentials, having also won a Gold Award for sustainability at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards earlier this year.

Luke was also named Climate Champion of the Year at the Unlock Net Zero Live Awards.

Luke added: “We are continuing to show the industry the benefits of prioritising sustainability and our social responsibilities.

“The feedback we are receiving from our customers is incredible and stands testament to the quality of our homes. We will continue to innovate, improve and inspire others with our work in 2024.”

Cosworth appoints new MD for Advanced Propulsion and Full Vehicle Programmes division

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Cosworth appoints new MD for Advanced Propulsion and Full Vehicle Programmes division
Cosworth has appointed Simon Wilding as Managing Director of the company’s Advanced Propulsion and Full Vehicle Programmes division, Delta Cosworth. Wilding joined the company in November and is based at Cosworth’s Silverstone facility. This strategic move is a natural continuation of Cosworth’s journey of developing a large and diversified range of high-performance, alternative propulsion solutions. Wilding brings almost 30 years of experience to support the growth of the business, focusing on full vehicle programmes, advanced propulsion systems and high-performance battery solutions. Wilding was headhunted by JLR in 2020 to lead a newly established Propulsion department within Special Vehicle Operations, dedicated to the delivery of high-performance ICE and BEV powertrain systems for Halo vehicles. Prior to this, his 25 years’ experience at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains culminated in the position of Head of Automotive Division and Chief Engineer. During this time, he was instrumental in the delivery of numerous significant programmes, including the Kinetic Energy Recovery System. This brought exceptional, groundbreaking hybrid technologies to Formula One for the first time, and was raced in 2009 season by the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team. Following on from these programmes, Wilding headed the delivery of the HV battery for Mercedes-AMG’s first electric vehicle: the Mercedes-AMG SLS E-Cell and latterly the hybrid Formula One powertrain for the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE hypercar. Delta Cosworth has been part of the UK’s booming motorsport industry for almost two decades. As well as being highly proficient in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance battery solutions, the company has diversified into the development of other sustainable propulsion applications, such as the Cosworth Catalytic Generator. It has embarked on a number of new projects in recent years, including partnerships in the defence industry with Babcock and the Defense Innovation Unit. The appointment of Wilding marks the beginning of the next chapter for Delta Cosworth. The company plans to continue the growth of its existing advanced propulsion and full vehicle capabilities. Wilding replaces outgoing Managing Director, Simon Dowson, who departs the company after almost 20 years. Wilding said: “I am very excited to be joining Cosworth at such an important time in its history. The company is already in an active pursuit to become the leader in the industry, and I believe my experience in growing skilled teams in this area will help to realise these great ambitions. “Cosworth’s developments in electrification are incredibly exciting, and only just beginning to demonstrate the levels of growth I think we can achieve. Everyone has been very welcoming – it is a real sort of family feeling – and I cannot wait to truly get stuck in and continue the Cosworth legacy.” Cosworth CEO, Hal Reisiger, said: “Simon brings extensive OEM experience into our business, which will underpin the next growth chapter for our Advanced Propulsion and Full Vehicle Programmes offering. “It shows the continued momentum of Delta Cosworth as we continue to broaden our reach and demonstrate our capabilities and expertise in new and established markets. We’re delighted Simon shares our same vision and drive to achieve this. “As Simon Wilding comes in, I would like to thank Simon Dowson for his commitment to Cosworth after the acquisition of Delta Motorsport – he has been a hugely valuable member of the senior leadership team, and we wish him all the best in his next venture. We are all excited to see what the future holds for Delta Cosworth.”

Last plot at Castlewood Business Park achieves practical completion as Hines take ownership

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Last plot at Castlewood Business Park achieves practical completion as Hines take ownership
Lead contractor, Roe Developments have achieved practical completion on the last remaining plot at Castlewood Business Park as part of the development funding deal between Clowes Developments and Hines. Site owners, Clowes Developments instructed Roe Developments to build the 76,680 sq ft standalone unit as part of the 1.36 million sq ft portfolio with global real estate investment, development, and property manager, Hines. The brand-new commercial unit was designed by IMA architects and comprises of a 72,386 sq ft single storey warehouse and 4,294 sq ft office and welfare space which is split over two floors and front of the building. The unit benefits from a large secure yard to the side with two level-access loading bays and eight docks. There is a car park to the front of the building with five disabled bays and four EV charging stations. The roof is designed to carry photo voltaic panels subject to the occupier’s requirements. Additionally, this unit boasts floor to ceiling double glazing in the warehouse and 10% roof lights creating a brighter environment for warehouse workers. In total, the partnership is developing eight state-of-the-art warehousing and light-industrial units covering a total of 126,347 square metres (1.36 million sq ft) across the East Midlands. In 2022, the first of the units, a 195,000 sq ft warehouse was delivered at Dove Valley Park in South Derbyshire. In 2023, to date, a 342,000 sq ft unit has been delivered at East Midlands Distribution Centre and an additional three units totalling 268,000 sq ft have been handed over at Fairham Business Park. With the latest completion at Castlewood, there remains only two plots at Dove Valley Park which are due to achieve practical completion early next year. Greg Cooper, Managing Director at Hines in the UK, said: “The completion of Castlewood is another important milestone for our partnership with Clowes, with over 75% of the portfolio now successfully delivered. “We are delighted to be developing best-in-class buildings that meet the needs of today’s occupiers, with Castlewood achieving BREEAM ‘excellent’ certification and including EV charging infrastructure and the ability to support the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. “The quality of the offering at Castlewood is reflected in the strong interest we have received from several occupiers. We look forward to continuing our work with Clowes to deliver the remaining space at Dove Valley Park in early 2024.” James Richards, development director at Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, added: “Castlewood has been a brilliant site since we started development in 2010. Plot 10 is the last plot to be developed at this flagship site. “With excellent transport links and direct access to the main arterial route through the Midlands, it’s no surprise that Castlewood has welcomed a number of nationally recognised names including Parker Knoll, Co-Op and Alloga but also provided a unique opportunity for local businesses to grow and expand such as CST, ConSpare, Charles Pugh and many more. “We are extremely proud of this development, and we wish Hines all the best with their new unit.”

Nottingham University Business School research shows company mergers may increase investment and innovation

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Nottingham University Business School research shows company mergers may increase investment and innovation
New research from Nottingham University Business School (NUBS) has shown that some company mergers may promote product innovation and benefit society, contrary to previously held opinions.
In previous research, merger decisions, which see companies merge to create a single firm, have been criticised for removing competition in the market and for their adverse effects on innovation. Antitrust authorities, which challenge company mergers, prevented mergers due to their possible adverse effects on innovation and competition, previously supported by research in this area. Professor Arijit Mukherjee, from Nottingham University Business School, challenges this in his new research paper, published in Economics Letters, and suggests that mergers may increase product innovation and benefit society in the presence of passive cross ownership – where businesses hold non-controlling shares in rival businesses. Competition among businesses encourages them to invest a significant amount in the research of competitors. Both passive cross ownership and cooperative research tend to reduce investments by reducing competitive behaviour or, in other words, creating more collusive behaviour among the businesses. On the other hand, mergers between businesses creates an upward pressure on investments in research by increasing the profits of the businesses. The intensity of competition in the product market plays an important role to determine the net effect. In an industry with severe price wars, mergers may increase product innovation and benefit society in the presence of passive cross ownership or cooperative research. Professor Mukherjee said: “Challenging mergers due to their adverse effects on innovation is a complex matter. This research explains how passive cross ownership and cooperative research contribute to this complexity. “The intensity of competition in the product market plays an important role for the innovation and welfare raising effects of a merger. These factors make decision making by antitrust authorities difficult.” Antitrust authorities may actually reduce product innovation and the betterment of society by preventing mergers in these industries when there is a severe price war among the businesses.

Over £2.6m for city projects supporting local prosperity

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Over £2.6m for city projects supporting local prosperity
A network of over 30 groups and organisations is set to receive over £2.6m in funding to deliver advice, support and training for Leicester businesses, people and communities. The local projects will be supported through Leicester City Council’s allocation of cash from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). An open call was launched in May 2023, inviting bids for projects under two categories – Supporting Local Business or People Skills and Communities. Voluntary and community sector organisations in Leicester, together with the council, the city’s universities and business support organisations, were able to bid. A total of 12 projects – six in each category – have now been approved and will receive funding ranging from £75,000 to over £300,000. They will be delivered by a network of over 30 groups and organisations and will offer a varied programme of support for local businesses and people. Deputy city Mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on climate, culture and the economy, said: “Whilst this is a relatively modest amount of funding, the expertise within the projects being supported means we are well placed to deliver huge value to local businesses and community organisations. “Taken together, these projects represent a programme that will help strengthen the city’s prosperity by delivering advice and support directly to local businesses, communities and people during very challenging economic times.” The 12 Leicester projects supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund are as follows:
  • Empower Biz – a comprehensive business support programme led by The Race Equality Centre aimed at individuals running a business who are of African or African-Caribbean heritage. Will include improvements to the African Caribbean Centre, in Highfields, to create a black business hub and co-working space.
  • Everyday English – an innovative ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programme led by Leicester Adult Education and delivered in partnership with community groups and venues across the city.
  • ExSEL – a project led by Leicester Social Economy Consortium to support the expansion and development of social enterprises across the city.
  • Futures – careers advice, guidance, employability support and entry-level training targeted at long-term unemployed and economically inactive people.
  • Growth accelerator for social entrepreneurs – a programme of expert training, consultancy and support to help social entrepreneurs grow their business, delivered by the University of Leicester’s School of Business, in partnership with the Cooperative and Social Enterprise Development Agency and Community Enterprise Engine.
  • Leicester Accelerator – a business support project delivered by East Midlands Chamber to help local businesses enhance their digital and low carbon business skills.
  • Leicester Productivity Programme – expert help and advice for local small businesses to support growth and help identify areas where productivity can be improved, delivered by leading business support organisation Exemplas.
  • Moneywise Living – one-to-one support for people to gain financial and digital skills to help deal with the rising cost of living, delivered by Reaching People – a membership organisation of over 35 local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.
  • NBV Enterprise Solutions – expert advice aimed at early-stage businesses – trading for between one and three years – to support survival and growth.
  • Positive Communities 2 – a project aimed at supporting people into employment delivered by the Bangladesh Youth and Cultural Shomiti charity working with seven local grassroots organisations.
  • Twin Training Limited – one-to-one support and training to help people with basic skills and ESOL training.
  • Zinthiya Trust – support for the most vulnerable households in Leicester to help strengthen their finances during the cost-of-living crisis. Will provide money and energy advice, to help reduce household bills.
Leicester City Council will also allocate £350,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to a new Community Digital Grant. This will be available to groups and organisations that provide community services within Leicester. Grants of up to £10,000 will be available to help install or improve IT and digital services.

Council to invest in Retford Market

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Council to invest in Retford Market
Proposals to invest more than £400,000 in Retford’s market are being put forward by Bassetlaw District Council as it seeks to modernise its approach, broaden its appeal and protect the future of the town’s historic market. Traditionally held on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the markets have been a significant part of Retford’s heritage since King Henry III granted its first charter in 1246. The Council is now taking action in order to safeguard this legacy and ensure that the market retains this tradition, and is financially viable for many years to come. The Council is now asking the public, market traders, local businesses and local stakeholders for their views on two proposals that could create a semi-permanent market, and provide additional trading opportunities through the historic Buttermarket, located in Retford Town Hall. This will take place as part of a six-week consultation, which runs from Friday 17th November until Tuesday 2nd January 2024. Funding provided by the Government’s United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), in addition to Capital Funding from the Council, has allowed the Council to put forward proposals to install new bespoke, semi-permanent, multi-purpose market stalls on the Market Square in Retford Town Centre; and repurpose the Buttermarket to provide an additional indoor trading space. The Council’s proposals are: Proposal 1 To install bespoke, semi-permanent, multi-purpose market stalls on the Market Square in Retford Town Centre. The primary use of the proposed, multi-purpose stalls will be to host traders who attend the current traditional market days of Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Installing semi-permanent stalls would also provide the potential for extra trading opportunities for current or new traders on non-market days, subject to the Council’s approval. When not in use, the stalls could also be converted to seating areas for organised events throughout the year, and for use by local businesses as part of the night-time economy. Proposal 2 Repurpose the Buttermarket to provide an additional indoor trading space. Repurposing the Buttermarket, located in Retford Town Hall, could provide an additional indoor trading space that could compliment planned traditional markets, or be used independently for bespoke markets and standalone events, including hospitality. Cllr Jo White, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “This significant investment will allow us to safeguard the sustainability, vitality and viability of its three market days in Retford, and open up additional opportunities to traders and local businesses. “The proposals could enable traders and local businesses to expand or diversify their offering, in addition to turning the market square, and Buttermarket, into a year-round, multi-functional space.” A budget of around £175k for Retford Market is proposed, in addition to a budget of £227k to regenerate the Buttermarket proposal. This would create a total investment of more than £400k for Retford Markets. Cllr Julie Leigh, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place, said: “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 our markets have increased significantly. “This funding, in addition to investment from the Council, has allowed us to put forward proposals that will enable us to arrest this decline, making the market more sustainable, securing its future provision, and moving towards a position of financial stability.” Currently the overall cost to the Council to provide a market in Retford each year, after income, stands at £153,000. The aim is to reinvigorate Retford Market so that it provides a sustainable income, allowing the Council to reinvest into the market for the future.

Financial assistance launched for North Northamptonshire businesses looking to reduce carbon emissions

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Financial assistance launched for North Northamptonshire businesses looking to reduce carbon emissions
North Northamptonshire Council have launched a new grant scheme to help local businesses invest in measures to increase energy efficiency, move to a lower carbon economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Small or medium sized businesses can now apply for grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 towards 50% of project costs, with the remaining amount to be match funded by the business. The funding can be used for:
  • lighting and lighting controls
  • heating and heating controls
  • insulation
  • energy efficient machinery and equipment (e.g. air compressors)
  • solar panels
  • heat pumps
  • biomass boilers
  • energy storage
  • building energy management systems
Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “We know the past few years have been difficult for businesses and the council are always looking for new ways we can help and provide financial assistance to stimulate investment. “This scheme will make a real difference to those businesses who want to reduce their carbon footprint and just need some more financial help to make that happen.” Cllr Harriet Pentland, the council’s Executive Member for Climate and the Green Environment, said: “Addressing the challenges of a changing climate is essential and something we should all be factoring into our lives; it can also save money. “This is why I am pleased we are launching this grant scheme, which will provide businesses with a helping hand to be greener.” Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council, said: “We expect a high level of applications for this grant scheme, so I would encourage businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint to take a look at the information online and apply as soon as possible.” The deadline for applications is 15 December 2023. This project is funded by the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Work starts on major Mansfield council housing project

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Work starts on major Mansfield council housing project

Construction work has begun on a major council housing project to revitalise an estate in Mansfield.

Mansfield District Council’s £7.7m redevelopment scheme on the Bellamy estate will see 22 affordable homes built, to be rented to families on the council’s housing list. Part of the estate’s upgrade is already complete with a new play park and learn-to-ride cycle track opening earlier this year. This next stage, led by Mercer Building Solutions, will see the construction of eco-friendly, affordable houses built around the newly installed village green area. It will see the demolition of existing shops and five flats in Egmanton Road and a new single-storey parade of retail outlets with a convenience store, café and takeaway built to replace them. There will also be a community orchard planted and a new traffic-calmed through road connecting Thorpe Road and Egmanton Road, which will allow for improved bus connections through this part of the estate. The project will support new employment and supply chain opportunities for local people and businesses, in line with the council’s procurement policy. Cllr Anne Callaghan, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “It is so exciting to see this major project taking shape. It will make a massive difference to the quality of life for everyone on this estate as well as providing fantastic, much needed, high quality new homes for families. “This has been a complex project to bring together and Mansfield District Council staff deserve a lot of credit for their work behind the scenes.” The council’s in-house architects have designed the homes in line with government carbon reduction targets and the Future Homes Standard, which is expected to be adopted nationally by 2025. The standard requires new homes to have low-carbon heating and high energy efficiency, resulting in considerably lower carbon dioxide emissions than properties built to current Building Regulations. The houses, comprising three four-bedroom semi-detached houses, eight three-bedroom semi-detached houses, nine two-bedroom semi-detached houses and two two-bedroom detached houses, will be offered at affordable rents and will be owned and managed by Mansfield District Council. The work is expected to be completed in phases over the next couple of years.

More Bassetlaw start ups secure Enterprise Grants

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More Bassetlaw start ups secure Enterprise Grants
Bassetlaw District Council is continuing to award Enterprise Grants to start-up and pre-start-up businesses across the district, and since April this year, nine businesses have secured a total of £14,510 to help with business costs such as marketing, equipment or uniforms. Businesses applying for the scheme can be awarded a grant of up to £2000 or a discretionary one-off grant of £500. Just some of the businesses to be awarded grants this year include:
  • Obviously Optical
  • The Mobile Pizza Company
  • The Cleaning Lady
  • The Ruddy Duck Printshop
  • Summit Signs
Grant recipient, Obviously Optical, found the support extremely valuable when setting up a new business. Keiran Allan, owner of Obviously Optical, said: “The grant has certainly helped us progress quicker than we would have been able to. So we are extremely grateful that it was awarded and the process for everything has been extremely easy.” To access the grant process, businesses must support their application with a sound business plan and accurate financial projections. The Council’s business advisers also provide support for the application process and can assist candidates who are unsure of certain business-related topics. Cllr Jo White, Deputy Leader of Bassetlaw District Council and Cabinet Member for Business and Skills, said: “We are one of the few councils that proactively assists new businesses and start-ups with financial support. Our Enterprise Grant has been available over the last 20 plus years. “As Chair of the panel, I get to meet many different organisations applying for the grant. Their unique ideas and proposals are always interesting and it’s great to see how our support has the power to help turn those plans into a reality. “If anyone is thinking of applying for the grant, don’t hesitate, have a go and if you have any questions, contact our business adviser, who is always happy to help you through the application process.” As well as the grant, the individual or business will get a dedicated Business Adviser who offers one-to-one support, as well as access to fully funded workshops to ensure they have all the support they need to start their business.

Dr. Martens appoints non-executive director to new chief brand officer role

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Dr. Martens appoints non-executive director to new chief brand officer role

Northamptonshire shoe brand Dr. Martens has appointed non-executive director Ije Nwokorie to the role of chief brand officer.

On appointment into this role, Ije will cease to be a member of the Board and will step down as a member of the Audit and Risk, Nomination and Disclosure committees.    

The newly-created role of chief brand officer will be a key member of the global leadership team, reporting into Kenny Wilson, CEO, overseeing the Global Marketing, Product and Strategy functions. The chief brand officer will be responsible for setting the overall brand strategy, vision and direction for the next phase of Dr. Martens’ growth.

Ije will join Dr. Martens as chief brand officer from Apple Inc, where he has been senior director, Apple Retail since January 2018. Prior to this he spent 11 years at global brand consultancy Wolff Olins, where he was latterly CEO, leading teams in offices in San Francisco, London, Dubai and New York. He is currently also chair of non-profit organisation charity: water UK.  

Paul Mason, chair, said: “Ije has been a tremendous non-executive director since he joined the Board in January 2021. He has deep insight and understanding of brands and has extensive global DTC experience. I am delighted that he’ll be joining the leadership team as chief brand officer, a role for which he is perfectly suited.”

Kenny Wilson, CEO, said: “Ije is a visionary brand storyteller and this, along with his infectious passion for Dr. Martens, makes him the ideal person to lead the next era of our brand development. I am delighted that he will be joining my team in a permanent full-time position of chief brand officer, which will be a crucial role to enable us to become a £2bn revenue brand.”

Ije Nwokorie said: “I’ve always loved Dr. Martens and it’s been a real privilege getting to know the brand from the inside as a non-executive director. Dr. Martens is defined by its rebellious, authentic and creative nature, all of which makes me really excited to be joining Kenny and the team early in the new year and to get to work.”

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