Go-ahead given to Rolls-Royce Raynesway site expansion

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Go-ahead given to Rolls-Royce Raynesway site expansion
The green light has been given to Rolls-Royce’s plans to significantly expand its Submarines site in Derby to meet the growth in demand from the Royal Navy, and as a result of last year’s AUKUS announcement. In March 2023 it was confirmed that Rolls-Royce Submarines would provide all the nuclear reactor plants that will power new attack submarines as part of the tri-lateral agreement between Australia, the UK and US. This increase in demand will see new manufacturing and office facilities being built at the Raynesway site, alongside a multi-storey carpark, and will create 1,170 skilled roles across a range of disciplines, including manufacturing and engineering. The proposal includes the demolition of five buildings and the construction of 10. Rolls-Royce Submarines currently employs more than 4,500 people and designs, manufactures and provides in-service support to the pressurised water reactors that power every boat in the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

Hire a drone operator in the East Midlands

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Hire a drone operator in the East Midlands
Drone videos are all the rage right now and it might be time to invest in a drone video to help captivate potential customers and promote your business online. Glowfrog provide CAA registered and fully insured drone pilots to capture footage for businesses throughout the Midlands and can even provide drone filming free of charge when included within a wider scope video production project, or be hired for entirely drone-based projects. Here is a sample of some of the footage they have captured in Derby and Nottingham:    If this is an option you would like to explore, be sure to visit the link below for more information. ->  www.glowfrogvideo.com/drone-video-production 

Former Government business champion takes helm at Loughborough Town Deal

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Former Government business champion takes helm at Loughborough Town Deal
A former Government business champion has been appointed as chair of the Loughborough Town Deal Board. Martin Traynor OBE is a former consultant and Group Chief Executive of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce and spent many years in the hospitality sector. More recently Martin has been a Small Business Crown Representative for the Cabinet office, helping to improve relations between Government and businesses. He now chairs the Town Deal board responsible for working with 11 projects which are delivering over £40 million of investment into the area, boosting skills, regenerating the town and supporting the visitor economy. Martin has been on the board since its inception and was appointed as chair at the March meeting, replacing Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL. Martin said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the chair of Loughborough Town Deal Board. “The Town Deal has already delivered almost £15 million of investment into the area and several projects have been completed including the creation of the Careers and Enterprise Hub, improvements to the canal side, a significant town centre regeneration scheme and support for the visitor economy. “There is much more on the way, and I am determined to support the remaining Town Deal projects through to their completion. They will leave a significant legacy for Loughborough.” Local businessman Charles Bentley has also joined the Town Deal board. Charles is managing director of Loughborough-based Charles Bentley which provides a wide range of products for the home and garden. The company was founded in 1860. Charles said: “I am extremely pleased to join the board and look forward to working with fellow board members and officers to help drive forward this exciting investment for the town.” Loughborough Town Deal secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund and is backing 11 projects in total. Other Town Deal projects already completed include the creation of SportPark Pavilion 4 at Loughborough University which is part of the Healthy and Innovative Loughborough project. Several elements of the Living Loughborough project are also up and running including the expansion of free wi-fi in the town centre, an augmented reality heritage trail and free business support for local businesses. More elements of this scheme are being developed. Other projects include work to save the last major Bell Foundry in Britain – John Taylor & Co; the Lanes and Links scheme which will better link the town centre and Queen’s Park and see the creation of a place to mark the impact of Covid on the community; a Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College; the creation of the Generator, a creative arts and culture hub; support for Great Central Railway; and support for a flood scheme for Loughborough’s Wood Brook. The Town Deal Board involves representatives from Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough University, Loughborough College, Love Loughborough, Leicestershire County Council, the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Charnwood Together Economy and Skills Group, local businesses and Loughborough MP Jane Hunt.

Plans for Derby theatres to move forward

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Plans for Derby theatres to move forward
Plans to restore Derby’s Guildhall Theatre and enhance Derby Theatre are set to move forward this week, as part of a major investment putting culture at the heart of the city. Derby City Council’s Cabinet will agree terms for use of £20 million Government Levelling Up Funding allocated to Derby. The funding will be split evenly between the Guildhall Theatre and Derby Theatre. Combined the two projects will generate an additional £2.7m per year for the local economy. A partnership agreement has been drawn up by the two organisations to agree details of how the funding will be spent, with the Council’s Cabinet set to agree the terms of the agreement this week. The £10m allocated to the Guildhall Theatre will contribute to the restoration of the Grade II listed building to its former glory and once again welcome audiences. Restoration plans for the Guildhall Theatre will include a new front of house experience with enhanced foyer as well as a new ground floor cafe and box office opening onto the Market Place. The auditorium will also be remodelled to increase the seating capacity to around 280. Back of house facilities will also be renovated to make the venue more accessible, other improvements include refurbished dressing rooms and the installation of a new service lift.  A new courtyard will also be included in the works, adjacent to Derby’s historic Market Hall, which is due to re-open in the spring of 2025 following major renovations. Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said: “By bringing the Guildhall Theatre back into use, we can not only restore one of our historic buildings but create more space for community-led arts groups to perform right in Derby’s cultural heart. “We’re on a mission to put culture at the heart of our city, bringing pride to our high streets, and attracting further investment into the city. Change is coming and what is planned for Derby’s Market Place is truly exciting.” Derby Theatre’s £10 million allocation will enable the Theatre and the University of Derby to complete phase one of its New Horizons project, delivering a state-of-the-art new accessible studio theatre and Learning and Research Hub. The Learning and Research Hub will allow the Theatre and University to develop further the undergraduate and postgraduate offer onsite in a professional theatre continuing to make the most of and enhance the unique connection between students, professional artists, participants and audiences. Sarah Brigham, Artistic Director and CEO, Derby Theatre, said: “These are exciting times for Derby Theatre as we continue to trailblaze new ways of training the next generation of professionals and creating high quality theatre for our communities. We are known for working directly with people from all backgrounds to release their creativity and this first phase of expansion on our current site will allow us to do even more of that. “I’m excited that as we approach our 50th birthday we are adding a new auditorium to the site and our longer term plans will see a refreshed front of house and backstage facilities.” The Guildhall restoration works are currently planned to begin on site in summer 2025 and be completed in late 2027. The Guildhall already needed £10m of repairs to prevent the building falling into disrepair. In total the extensive restoration is expected to cost £24.55 million, which will be funded by a combination of the £10 million from the Levelling Up Funding and £14.55 million from the Council’s capital budget. Work will also be carried out at 30 and 31 Market Place, which adjoin the Guildhall, allowing them to be brought back into use and contribute to the city.

Construction starts on Phase Two of Leicestershire business park

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Construction starts on Phase Two of Leicestershire business park

Construction has begun on Phase Two of Beauchamp Business Park, a new commercial development in Kibworth, Leicestershire. Due to the strength of demand for units at the site, construction of Phase Two has started earlier than originally planned.

Beauchamp Business Park is being brought forward by Clowes Developments and its team including IMA Architects, TanRo, Millward Consulting Engineers, Gateley’s Legal and Postins Project Services. Philips Sutton and TDBRE have been instructed as agents on the scheme.

Planning permission for Phase Two was granted by Harborough District Council in December 2023. The second phase will see the creation of two additional terraces and a self-contained detached unit to be used for B1 and B2 use class. Completion is expected in late 2024.

When complete, Beauchamp Business Park will feature a series of freehold and leasehold industrial units ranging from 1,270 sq ft to 10,085 sq ft.

Construction of the first phase of the development began in September 2023. Due to the demand for units from local business owners and investors, the construction of Phase Two has started earlier than originally planned. 80% of the units on Phase One were sold or under offer within two months of being made available for enquiries, and there is similar interest in Phase Two, with Unit E already under offer.

Clowes Developments have retained IMA Architects who are providing all architectural services and acting as Principal Designer on the scheme.

Ben Hall, director at IMA Architects, says: “The popularity of the site demonstrates the need for quality, well located industrial space in the local area. Phase Two was originally planned to begin in the summer, but due to the demand it was decided that the construction teams could remain on site and push on with the next phase.

“My colleagues and I are proud to be working with Clowes Developments to deliver another site that will bring economic growth and employment opportunities to Leicestershire.”

Kevin Webster, associate director at Clowes Developments, adds: “Groundworks have begun on the second phase, and we are hopeful that the whole site will be finished ahead of schedule. I am already looking forward to the occupiers moving into the units and seeing Beauchamp Business Park really come to life.”

Letting sees new use for former restaurant

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Letting sees new use for former restaurant
A 2,105 sq ft former restaurant in Burton has been let to T J Parry Independent Funeral Directors. The premises have been taken ‘back to the bricks’ and completely re-furbished and re-decorated to create a purpose-built Funeral Home, which is prominently located on the prestigious Anson Court Development at 188/189 Horninglow St. T J Parry & Family Funeral Directors Ltd was conceived by founder Timothy Parry and opened in Station St, Burton in 2018. Tim grew up in Burton upon Trent and following family bereavement to himself, started working in the funeral industry at Bretby Crematorium as a 14-year-old. He continued working his way ‘up the ladder’ at two Funeral Directors and continued to gain valuable experience working alongside many others during his employment. After achieving industry recognised qualifications, Tim decided to set up his own company to provide a trusted, independent service that truly cares for the local communities. Tim said: “We have always provided the highest levels of professionalism, care, dignity, and respect to our clients which we have become well known for and this has resulted in us needing to relocate to larger premises. “We chose the new location as it offers a beautiful and prominent setting for our business. The building is full of character and provides a real charm inside and out now, and following the refurbishment works carried out, offers the most perfect of Funeral Homes. Our new premises provide more quality space for our families and further deceased care facilities. “This move has enabled us to create a calm and comfortable space for grieving families, whilst continuing to provide the highest standards of care for our clients. The additional space also allows for more staff to join our family, as part of our natural growth.” Salloway commercial agency surveyor, Simon Walker said: “I am absolutely delighted to have helped Tim with his relocation to these larger premises, having been initially involved with finding him a suitable commercial property and concluding the letting when he started his own business over 5 years ago. “His relocation to the award-winning Anson Court Development on Horninglow St, Burton provides much needed expansion space for his business, and he has transformed the premises completely to provide a truly high quality feel Funeral Home.”

Information management specialists secure Markham Vale warehouse

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Information management specialists secure Markham Vale warehouse
Devonshire Property Group, part of the portfolio of Devonshire Group businesses, has let its 102,515 sq ft Markham Vale warehouse following the agreement of a new letting to digital and information management specialists, Restore Records Management. Restore Records Management has agreed to take the unit on a long-term lease. The move is part of a consolidation of properties, as it looks to move into newer, more efficient buildings. Restore expects to be operational at the new site later this Spring. Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at Devonshire Property Group, said: “Letting our property at Markham Vale is not only a really positive milestone for the scheme, but a testament to the site’s proposition and the quality of space on offer. “Alongside Derbyshire County Council and HBD, we’re fully committed to ensuring that the site continues to generate value and quality job opportunities for the surrounding communities. Bringing another strong business in Restore Records Management to the site is part of our work to fulfil that promise.” Nigel Dews, Managing Director at Restore Records Management, said: “The entire facility, will be able to accommodate a staggering 1.4 million boxes, making it one of the biggest sites in our portfolio. We look forward to taking management of the site in the forthcoming weeks.” The agents representing The Devonshire Group were Rebecca Schofield at Knight Frank and Stuart Waite, of CPP. Restore were represented by Cameron Frazer of Berrys.

Beat The Streets raises £81k to save vital frontline services for rough sleepers

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Beat The Streets raises £81k to save vital frontline services for rough sleepers

Beat The Streets has announced the total raised from this year’s festival is a huge £81,600, thanks to the thousands of people, artists and those behind the scenes coming together for a day of live music in January.

All the money raised by DHP Family’s festival will go to support the vital work carried out by the Nottingham based charity Framework to help the growing number of rough sleepers in the city.

A cheque for the 2024 total was handed over by DHP Family MD George Akins to Framework’s Deputy Chief Executive Claire McGonigle this week. In return, the charity presented DHP Family with a commemorative platinum disc in recognition of the fundraising achievement and the company’s ongoing commitment to raising vital funds each year.

This year, the money from Beat The Streets will secure around a quarter of the jobs in the charity’s Street Outreach team, which were at risk due to cuts in Nottingham City Council funding. The Outreach team take to the streets every morning to engage with the growing numbers of rough sleepers, and are at the forefront of the charity’s work aimed at ending homelessness.

In the year to December 2023 the Nottingham Street Outreach team identified and worked with 869 known people sleeping rough in Nottingham, a 19 percent year-on-year increase. Having gained the confidence of someone sleeping rough, team members help the rough sleeper to find accommodation, and work to identify their support needs and employment options.

Working with this highly transient population of rough sleepers, the team also engaged with roughly 800 additional individuals who could not be definitively identified.

Framework’s Chief Executive Andrew Redfern said: “Each year the money raised at Beat the Streets plays a vital part in maintaining support for rough sleepers in Nottingham and we continue to be very grateful for this outstandingly generous assistance.

“In 2023 the funds raised enabled the construction of purpose-built accommodation for rough sleepers and we look forward to celebrating the opening of these new flats in a few weeks.

“The level of rough sleeping continues to rise relentlessly. Funds raised at the 2024 festival back in January will help us maintain the outreach team who work with people on the streets of Nottingham every day of the year. Three posts are at risk due to cuts in City Council funding and Beat the Streets funding will cover a large part of the cost.”

The live music company’s charitable music festival Beat The Streets was launched in 2018 and has now raised a grand total of £490,600 for Framework as well as shining a spotlight on the homelessness crisis. The charity works to turn around the lives of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across the East Midlands, providing housing, health, employment support, and care services to people with a diverse range of needs.

Every venue was packed out on Sunday 28 January to enjoy a full day of live music showcasing more than 50 homegrown artists along with special guest Beans on Toast. The talent on display blew away audiences at Rock City, Rescue Rooms, Bodega and Rough Trade with all proceeds from tickets, bar and merch going directly to Framework.

George Akins, MD, DHP Family, said: “Everyone at DHP is very proud of the funds raised from this year’s Beat The Streets. After working hard to deliver a wonderful day of live music, it’s always great to see our total and hand it over to Framework.

“The funds raised each year at our event make a tangible difference to the lives of homeless people in the area, and thanks to everyone who attended, performed at, and worked on our 2024 event, we’ve been able to make another significant contribution to the hard work that Framework do, at a particularly vital time.”

The funds raised by Beat The Streets in previous years have gone towards keeping Sneinton Hermitage shelter open all year round; accommodating more than 60 high risk service users; employing two full time mental health workers and helping to open Mechanics House, which provides accommodation and resettlement support.

Beat The Streets is delivered by DHP Family in collaboration with local organisations and music groups including I’m Not from London; Farmyard Records; Hockley Hustle, and Rough Trade.

Retailers record six months of negative sales

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Retailers record six months of negative sales
Total in-store and online sales fell -2.2% in March, marking the sixth consecutive month of negative sales results, according to new data from BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker. The last six months marks the longest consecutive period of negative growth outside of the COVID-19 pandemic. BDO’s data, which looks at sales across discretionary spend categories, highlighted that in-store sales were negative for the fourth month in a row (-1.8%) and pulled down by sharp falls in both fashion and homewares sales. Non-store sales were also negative (-2.3%), following three successive months of positive results. Sophie Michael, Head of Retail and Wholesale at BDO, said: “These results continue to paint a bleak picture for retailers. Despite both the Easter bank holiday weekend and Mother’s Day falling in March this year, these results serve as a stark reminder of the pressure the sector is under.” Fashion was the only non-store category to see positive results in March but the growth of 1.5% failed to offset the negative in-store sales, which declined by -6.0%. The homeware sector also performed poorly, falling by -10.9%, the lowest monthly result for this category since May 2022. The lifestyle sector performed slightly better, with sales up +0.9% compared to the same month last year. Sophie continued: “Going into April, retailers will see their costs rise even higher with the uplift in the national minimum wage and increased business rates leaving very little room to spend on investment, promotions or other ways of encouraging consumer spending. “Elsewhere, there are reports that order levels fell in March and are expected to fall further in April, showing no signs of appetite for consumers to increase discretionary spend. Retailers will be fixated on managing their cost base to ride out what continues to be a challenging trading period, with no notable recovery on the horizon just yet.”

Tech firm distributes 1,600 bamboo cups to Derby charities so they can enjoy a brew or two

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Tech firm distributes 1,600 bamboo cups to Derby charities so they can enjoy a brew or two

A Derby firm has helped spread the message about saving the planet by handing out 1,600 bamboo-fibre cups to local charities and organisations.  

Family-owned Barron McCann, which provides IT services to customers throughout the UK and Europe, handed out the eco-friendly cups to YMCA Derbyshire, Treetops Hospice, Derby County Community Trust, Derby Women’s Centre and Bridge The Gap C.I.C so that they can enjoy a hot drink and know that they are doing their bit for the planet.  

Barron McCann were gifted the mugs – created by British homeware and gifting company Milly Green – by Hampshire-based Cable Talk, which is part of the Barron McCann group of companies. 

Each mug is made from 100% bamboo and is fully recyclable.  

Lucy Laughton, Barron McCann’s business support and social values co-ordinator, delivered the mugs to the five charitable organisations. She said: “We were lucky to receive this kind donation from our friends at Cable Talk and chose local charities and organisations who we felt were deserving of the mugs.  

“The mugs are made from recycled, reusable resources – even the lid is bamboo, so there is no plastic after taste. 

“We all know the benefits of a cuppa and a chat, and I hope that the charities will be able to enjoy drinking from the Milly Green mugs.” 

Paul Taylor is YMCA Derbyshire’s Community Relationship Co-Ordinator. 

He said: “We are extremely grateful to Barron McCann for this kind donation. We will be able to use the mugs to bring a smile to participants of the various projects we run here at the YMCA.  

“Our Health & Wellbeing team will be able to use the mugs for their sessions and I know that they will be most welcome down at our Wilmorton Community Gardens.” 

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