- Deliver a sustainable annual rent for the property
- Secure capital investment in the existing and new facilities
- Give flexibility over the future use of the property (providing such use can run alongside golf)
- Encourage increased participation in golf
- Work with Derby Golf Club with the joint aim of promoting golf for the enjoyment and benefit of all
- Encourage additional community outreach programmes
- Ensure the maintenance of the non-golfing areas of the property to protect and conserve the natural environment and ecological character of the land.
New operator sought for Sinfin Golf Course
A new operator is being sought for Sinfin Golf Course. The course has been run by Sheffield City Trust, under a lease agreement with Derby City Council, since 2015.
The trust has indicated it wishes to surrender its lease in 2024 and, as a result, the Council is looking for a new operator. HMH Golf and Leisure, a specialist golf course agent, has been engaged to market the facility and advise the Council on the terms of a new lease to be agreed with the new tenant.
Sinfin Golf Course is an established business which features an 18-hole parkland golf course, a 6-hole footgolf course/academy course, practice area, practice putting green, pavilion clubhouse and greenkeeping complex, plus car parking. The site also includes Cotton Farmhouse, situated close to the clubhouse. Offers including or excluding the farmhouse will be considered.
HMH Golf and Leisure will market Sinfin Golf Course, but the final decision on a new operator will be taken by the Council’s Cabinet.
It is anticipated that the new operator will sign up for a minimum 25-year lease. Bids will be evaluated on how well interested operators are able to show their ability to meet the Council’s objectives to:
Administrators appointed to Derby rail carriage painting specialist
Chris Pole and Ryan Grant from Interpath Advisory have been appointed joint administrators to Paintbox Transportation Services Limited (PTSL).
Based in Derby, PTSL specialises in the painting of rail carriages for companies across the rail industry.
The Paintbox group had come under significant financial pressure following the downturn in a number of key contracts. The directors sought to review the options available to them, including sale, investment and restructuring options. When it became clear that a solvent solution was not possible, they took the steps to place the companies into administration.
The joint administrators of PTSL have reached agreement with the company’s major customer, Alstom, which will enable the business to continue to trade while they continue to explore the options available. As a result, all of the company’s circa 60 employees have been retained by the joint administrators to facilitate this strategy.
Chris Pole, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “We’d like to extend thanks to Alstom, as well as the company’s employees and wider stakeholders for their support which is allowing us to trade the business while we assess options.”
Work starts on 22 new council homes in Chesterfield
More than 20 new homes are to be built in Chesterfield, increasing the number of affordable council homes available.
The latest project will see the addition of 22 new council properties, located at various sites across Staveley and Middlecroft, as Chesterfield Borough Council continues with its commitment to increasing the number of properties available to families.
Construction of the new-build properties is now well underway after local councillors joined representatives from Fortem Solutions Limited, the council’s main contractor, to break ground on one of the sites and kick-start the project.
The project will see the addition of two three-bed bungalows on Ringwood Avenue and two two-bed bungalows at Court Place, four two-bed bungalows on Wensley Way, two two-bedroom houses on Paisley Close, nine three-bedroom houses on Westwood and three three-bedroom houses at Aston Court.
In line with its climate change strategy, the council is committed to ensuring its properties are energy efficient and these new homes are set to benefit from renewable energy sources.
Each property will be fitted with an air source heat pump for the heating and hot water, whilst solar panels will be installed on the roof with battery storage to generate electricity.
Electric vehicle charging points will be installed on all of the properties to support lower carbon transport options.
Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and once built, these new properties will provide a welcome addition to our housing stock and let to people on our housing register.
“The number of people on the housing register has risen in the last year as more people look for affordable housing options as a result of the rising cost of living, and we’re working hard to meet this demand by increasing the number of affordable, modern and accessible homes that are available for families in our borough, so we’re really pleased that works are now underway.
“We are fully committed to helping achieve our goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050 and are working hard to make sure that our homes are as energy efficient as possible and these new homes will help us to achieve this. The measures in place will not only help us towards our target but will also help reduce fuel bills for our tenants.”
Tom Nicholson, commercial manager at Fortem Solutions Limited, said: “We are delighted to commence these works, partnering with Chesterfield Borough Council, delivering efficient new homes in the borough. In our pre-construction interactions, the council has showcased a commitment to clear communication, decisive decision-making, and a shared vision for project success, which shows the true partnership we have developed together over the years.
“Our collaborative, pro-active approach to project planning and engagement has set a positive tone for our partnership. I am confident that the synergy between our teams will contribute to a streamlined construction process, fostering an environment for further effective collaboration and successful handover of these new properties.
“We look forward to the commencement of works, and we are excited about the prospect of working hand-in-hand with the council once again to bring our shared vision to life.”
Leicestershire County Cricket Club redevelopment plans on track with Pick Everard appointment
Blueprints to reshape the future of Uptonsteel County Ground will be considered by a city-based consultancy firm ahead of a multi-million-pound project launch in 2024.
Leicestershire County Cricket Club have announced a working partnership with Pick Everard, experts in architectural and commercial developments. The multi-disciplinary consultancy has 15 offices nationwide with its headquarters based in Leicester.
The working arrangement follows nine months of detailed planning by the Club and its stakeholders and will see two preferred options for the first phase of a £60m redevelopment come under the spotlight.
The first phase of the project will centre on the area surrounding the Melton Building Society Family Stand, located near the manual scoreboard. Details on the proposals are yet to be finalised, but providing health and wellbeing facilities for the community and city are high on the priority list.
Sean Jarvis, Chief Executive, said: “The partnership with Pick Everard brings the redevelopment of the stadium one step closer and is the culmination of months of planning and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.
“The focus of phase one will be on the commercial aspect of this project. We have several proposals on the table and Pick Everard have been appointed to assess each of them; coming back to us early in 2024 with recommendations for their preferred option.”
Talks are continuing between the Club and local universities in readiness for latter phases of the ambitious project that aims to bring an ‘Academy of Cricket’ to the ground. It is proposed that the academy would deliver the world’s first MBA in cricket management.
Alastair Hamilton, Partner at Pick Everard, added: “As a multi-disciplinary consultancy who specialise in the built environment, our ethos is based on making the extraordinary a reality, and this project has all the hallmarks of something that will deliver lasting value for Leicester communities. We look forward to working with Leicestershire County Cricket Club on this exciting journey.”
2024 Business Predictions: Parm Bhangal, Managing Director, Bhangals Construction Consultants
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Parm Bhangal, Managing Director at Bhangals Construction Consultants.
Following a busy market and a lot of investment post Covid, I believe that 2024 will be much quieter year in the construction industry than we have been used to in recent years.
Interest rates and the cost of borrowing has gone up significantly, which has meant some developers and homeowners looking to do bigger projects have been temporarily forced out of the market.
The dramatic increase in interest rates over the last year has seen a huge impact on the property market, which in turn affects the construction industry.
And because the sector is quietening, I anticipate that labour costs will continue to fall, gradually.
Builders and contractors are likely to need to work harder to secure contracts and look at their price points in order to lock in longer term projects.
Many tradespeople will be forced to bring prices down in order to compete and guarantee security.
Lately, we have seen materials prices begin to fall too as supply catches up with demand and I think that trend will continue as we go into next year.
Construction and property require such huge investment that it is currently seen as too great a risk for many. Anyone wary of the current climate is likely to hold off on investing until there is more positivity in the market.
Staff are not just for Christmas: by James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, reflects on the importance of recognising colleagues during the festive season.
On the run up to Christmas many business directors, owners and managers will hopefully have or be looking at potentially sharing in the festive spirit through making gifts to their staff and/or even having a Christmas party.
A bit like family and friends gifting, the nature or choice of a gift will mostly likely be based on what might have been given in the past, even the same gift each year along with affordability of the same.
To a great extent when it comes to businesses the decision as to what they give their staff may in part be pre-determined by the tax treatment of any gifts. Certainly HMRC have made this easier, in that gifts made to employees up to the value of £50 will not be subject to any tax consequences. Perhaps then there is no surprise that often the choice of gift is a store or merchandising voucher to the value of £50. Such an approach is not to be sniffed at as it is an easy decision for a choice of gift in terms of the employer’s choice and employees’ preference.
Typically, as the festive season approaches many will be enjoying the annual staff Christmas party. Again, the HMRC have made an exemption and a generous one at that. Providing a number of criteria are met, a spend of up to £150 per head can be made on the Christmas party. Such spend is exempt from both Income Tax and National Insurance and the fun doesn’t stop there! The £150 per head also applies to all attendees, so partners and spouses can be included.
The festive season all too often comes and goes in a flash, even though you wouldn’t think it on the run up to the big day. Whilst the thought and goodwill of a seasonal gift and party will bring a glow to hopefully all, the time of year is also one when we reflect or give more time to think of others. As we go from Christmas to the New Year our thoughts invariably turn to the year ahead and perhaps then to thinking about what else we could do to acknowledge, reward, praise and even support team members. Such an approach doesn’t necessarily have to come at a cost or be determined by the tax implications.
At Christmas it can be the case, that we rack our brain to come up with a gift for a relative or friend that we don’t see or really know that well, when really what they would have valued better was some of your time and interest in them.
Perhaps then we can all look to 2024 to take time out to not only think what we could do to support our colleagues but also show we really value them. Something that may involve us taking more time for them, doing something specific or personable, even unique, to thank and support them. With busy lives and the rapid pace of life there is a real danger, that a bit like Christmas, when we buy a present it will do with little thought just to tick another off the gift list, we don’t give enough thought and time to recognise the importance and value of our colleagues.
See this column in the December issue of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
Freeths Nottingham advises on EG Group’s sale of UK KFC franchises
Law firm Freeths has advised EG Group on the sale of its 218 KFC franchise restaurants across the UK and Ireland to Yum! Brands’ KFC Division.
Expected to complete in the first half of 2024, this transaction is part of the global retailer’s successful portfolio optimisation strategy and continued progress towards putting in place sustainable growth and innovation.
Founded by Issa brothers in 2001, EG Group is a British retailer which operates filling stations, convenience stores and fast-food restaurants across Europe, the United States and Australia.
The Freeths legal team was led by Real Estate Partner Atiyya Khaliq, supported by Managing Associates Zac Clayton and Michaela Mason, Associate Samuel De La Bertauche and Legal Assistant Poppy Hinton.
It comes just weeks after Freeths advised on the completion of EG Group’s £2.07bn sale of its UK operations to Asda.
Commenting on the deal, Atiyya Khaliq said: “As a valued client, it’s great to see EG Group’s corporate sustainability strategy coming to life. This deal is an important step in securing growth across the UK and Ireland and it demonstrates the strength of our team’s retail sector expertise. I look forward to continuing working with EG Group on the next stage of its exciting journey.”
EG Group continues to operate in the USA, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and the UK, including its wholly owned bakery business, Cooplands, as well as franchise businesses with the Starbucks, Subway, Greggs, Sbarro, Chaiiwala and Cinnabon brands.
New director of landscape architecture appointment for Pick Everard in Leicester
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has made a key hire with the appointment of Nicola Hamill as its new director of landscape architecture, further driving the firm’s growth.
Nicola brings with her almost three decades of experience in the public realm, enhancing the team’s capabilities, output, and innovations. Her expertise lies specifically in working on urban design, regeneration, and developing places for people, with previous projects having included the Finberry homes development in South Ashford.
Her day-to-day responsibilities will see her engaging in mentoring, interdisciplinary discussions, and design reviews, working initially across two of the firm’s locations in London and Leicester.
Nicola said: “Pick Everard is a firm that’s renowned for its dynamic approach and diverse project portfolio. The potential here to expand my capabilities while working alongside a broad spectrum of clients and consultants was one of the large draws for me. It’s an exciting time for Pick Everard and I feel privileged to be part of the team.
“Leadership is about identifying, bringing out, and enhancing a team’s individual skills and strengths, and marrying them to our business objectives. This is where my focus will be in my new role, so that we can further build towards our targets and support sector growth.”
As part of her new role, Nicola will be tasked with supporting on the firm’s response to emerging needs, particularly with the recent biodiversity net gain legislation. Her expertise will be instrumental in supporting Pick Everard’s fledgling environmental services discipline, while driving a company ethos of delivering better together for clients and communities.
David Shaw, national design director at Pick Everard, said: “Nicola joining our team will be a tremendous asset going forward for Pick Everard. Her extensive experience and innovative approach to landscape design aligns uniquely well with our commitment to excellence and sustainable development.
“Likewise, Nicola’s vision for team growth and her skills in mentorship will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities, driving our projects to new heights. I’m looking forward hugely to the positive impact she will have on our team, the collaborative and holistic approach to project design for clients, and shaping our future projects, as well as the landscape architecture sector as a whole.”
Another year of significant growth as over £5.2m invested into Derbion by retailers
Expanding Derby retail and leisure destination, Derbion, has announced another year of significant growth with over £5.2 million invested into the centre by retailers through new lettings, store upsizes and refurbishments.
Across the year, 13 new brands have opened their doors at Derbion including three new restaurants in the recently refurbished Food Terrace, which is now fully let following a £2m investment by the centre. Chi, Tortilla and Villa Express have completed the line-up of food and drink operators which also features Popeyes, KFC and Burger & Sauce. Subway and GDK have also invested in their presence at Derbion through a refit and relocation.
Derbion has continued to expand its breadth of retailers this year, welcoming global cosmetics retailer Rituals and lifestyle brand MINISO alongside travel operator TUI and iconic fragrance company Yankee Candle. Local fashion retailer, 1NE., is the latest independent to open at Derbion as a result of the centre’s Hatch initiative, which supports small business owners to take their brand to the next level.
Alongside new lettings, over £3 million has been invested by existing retailers through refurbishments and store upsizes. Luxury watch and jewellery retailer, Goldsmiths, has revamped its showroom, extending its footprint by 1,000 sq ft to showcase a wider range of big-name brands, and will open a second store before Christmas featuring Breiting, Tudor and Omega. Renowned jeweller Beaverbrooks has increased its store to 1,628 sq ft, introducing a new standalone TAG Heuer boutique.
The centre’s longer-term development potential took a step forward in 2023 with planning permission granted for the Derbion Masterplan, subject to approval by the Secretary of State. The Masterplan is an ambitious framework for the next 10 years and beyond designed to support the existing retail and leisure centre and its significant position in Derby city centre. Proposals include new homes and commercial uses alongside public spaces and walkable streets to integrate these sites with the rest of Derby City Centre and improve connections with the River Derwent.
Managing Director at Derbion, Beth McDonald, said: “Since we transferred to new independent ownership in 2021 we have successfully delivered a strong leasing strategy that has transformed the centre with a wide range of leading retail and leisure brands, and this year has been no exception.
“We continue to broaden our offer for customers through new and exciting openings and expanded stores in addition to playing an important role in our wider community and the city of Derby.
“Our Derbion Cares charitable initiatives have included our hugely popular school uniform swap shop, designed to support families across Derbyshire with the rising cost of uniforms.
“This year we have also continued our sponsorship of the flagship running event, the Derbion Ramathon, alongside supporting the fantastic Museum of the Moon at Derby Cathedral, all helping to bring wider footfall to the city centre.
“Leasing momentum continues into 2024 and we’re looking forward to announcing our next phase of lettings in the new year.”
Councils give green light to £4bn East Midlands devolution deal
Residents across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham will get the chance to vote for the first-ever East Midlands Mayor next May, after councils gave the go-ahead to devolution for the region.
Yesterday (Thursday 7 December), Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council each approved plans to create the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), which will come into existence next Spring.
EMCCA is set to bring in around £4 billion of funding for the region, alongside devolved powers for transport, skills and adult education, housing, the environment and economic development.
Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “Our shared vision is for the 2.2 million people who live and work in the heart of the country to be better connected and more prosperous – addressing years of historically low investment in our region.
“Devolution brings much more control over our own area. Rather than many major decisions being made for us in London, local people would have a say in the region’s priorities. This is just the start and more benefits and funding are already starting to flow – such as the Government’s recent announcement of £1.5 billion local transport funding for the new East Midlands Mayor.
“The creation of a new mayoral combined county authority will unlock the benefits of the East Midlands devolution deal and bring improved public services and a brighter future for our residents.”
Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I am proud we have taken this final and definitive step to bring the necessary powers and funds needed to improve the lives of the people of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Devolved powers will result in better life outcomes for everyone; more investment in skills and jobs, and more control to deliver improved public transport.
“It will give the East Midlands a platform and powers to bring lasting benefits and change lives for generations.”
Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “I welcome this milestone moment for the city of Derby and the wider region. The East Midlands Combined County Authority is set to bring much-needed investment into our area and is the only way to get any additional funding, after years of austerity.
“The ambition is for our region to – rightfully – be on an equal footing with the likes of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, so I am encouraging the residents of Derby to have their say on how the devolved powers and funding should be used next May.”
David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Nottingham has today taken a significant step towards an East Midlands Combined Authority. The extra funding this deal will bring will make a huge difference to the region. People in Nottingham will see real benefits with more investment in jobs, training and housing. It is vital that we continue to work closely with our neighbouring councils on this.
“For too long, Nottingham has not had the investment it needs and deserves, and this deal will start to address this. It also brings significant powers from the Government into the region, giving us more control and allowing us to make better, more local decisions.”
Plans for East Midlands devolution are similar to those already in place in other mayoral regions, like the West Midlands and Greater Manchester.
The East Midlands devolution deal, agreed with Government ministers last summer, would see Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham benefit from a £1.14 billion investment fund. Other areas with devolution deals have been able to make their funding go even further and have greater impact by leveraging significant private sector investment.
A public consultation on East Midlands devolution, carried out between November 2022 and January 2023, showed strong support for the plans among local residents, businesses and community groups.
In October, the Government announced around £1.5 billion in transport funding for the East Midlands Mayor.
Thanks to devolution plans, the East Midlands has also been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £160 million of support over ten years, with tax incentives for businesses that will help boost economic growth right across the region.
It is estimated that the East Midlands Investment Zone will unlock hundreds of millions of pounds in private investment, creating thousands of jobs right across the region.
Government will continue to work with the proposed East Midlands Mayoral County Combined Authority (EMCCA) and other partners to co-develop the plans for the East Midlands Investment Zone, including priority development sites and specific interventions to drive cluster growth, ahead of final confirmation of the plans.
£18 million has already been awarded to the area during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision.
Further investment for the region would also be provided through annual Whitehall budgets and spending reviews.
All four councils have now agreed to the creation of East Midlands Combined County Authority and the legal regulations around creating this new authority.
The Government will now need take the deal before Parliament, as this is first of a new type of combined authority and it requires new legislation.
If the legislation is passed in the coming weeks it would come into force by March 2024, meaning the EMCCA will officially come into existence.
The inaugural election for East Midlands Mayor will take place on 2 May 2024.
