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.”

Optima UK appoints new head of professional services and engineering divisions

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Optima UK appoints new head of professional services and engineering divisions

Optima UK, the recruitment, training, and business advisory firm, has appointed Susan McAdam to head up its professional services and engineering divisions.

Susan brings a wealth of experience to the post, having clocked up more than 15 years of professional recruitment experience working with a range of businesses from SMEs through to major blue chip companies.

Larraine Boorman, the CEO of the Leicester-based, internationally-operating company, said: “Susan has an excellent track record of delivering success based on developing professional teams and building strong customer relationships.

“We’re delighted that Susan has joined Optima. Her strong skillset, drive and ambition will be important assets as we are continuing to grow across all divisions. Our services are very much in demand across many sectors, so we need the very best people as we move forward.”

Susan said: “Optima felt like the right fit for me, as our ethics and outlook are very much aligned. My aim is to ensure that the whole team has the necessary skills and tools to make sure we can all reach new levels.”

Rolls-Royce visited by ministers following £4bn submarines deal

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Rolls-Royce visited by ministers following £4bn submarines deal
British and Australian defence ministers have visited Rolls-Royce’s defence business in Derby to see the progress being made on the AUKUS submarines programme. Earlier this year, it was announced that Rolls-Royce’s Raynesway site in Derby would provide the power for a new fleet of nuclear submarines for the UK and Australia, as part of the AUKUS agreement. Contracts worth a total of £4 billion, which will see Rolls-Royce supply nuclear reactors for the submarines, known as SSN-AUKUS, have recently been signed. Earlier this month, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, visited Rolls-Royce to meet the first group of Australian nationals training within UK industry to understand how the next generation of conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines are being constructed. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “A project like this can only succeed with the great work that’s being done across British industry. The work at Rolls-Royce in Derby is a great example of what we can achieve when we collaborate and work alongside our allies.” Mr Marles said: “These Australian industry placements provide us with an invaluable opportunity to learn from our experienced partners in the UK, and to better understand the functions and scope of the work.” As part of the AUKUS programme, Rolls-Royce will be the supplier of all the nuclear propulsion plants for the UK and Australian submarines. To accommodate the work, Rolls-Royce is looking to double the size of its Raynesway site and create 1,200 new jobs. During their visit, the ministers saw the first nuclear propulsion plant components being fabricated for the SSN-AUKUS programme, representing one of the first stages of building the submarines. Speaking after the visit, Mr Shapps said: “It is inspiring to see our personnel on the ground working side by side with the Australians to deliver the most advanced submarines for our navies. “The partnership will not only help uphold stability in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, but also demonstrate the world-class trademark that embodies British industry.”

New head of mortgage sales at Hinckley & Rugby Building Society

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New head of mortgage sales at Hinckley & Rugby Building Society

Laura Sneddon is the latest mortgage specialist to join the business development team at Hinckley & Rugby. She joins the Society with more than 20 years’ experience in the mortgage industry, including major roles within the specialist Intermediary sector.

“I knew from my first conversation with Hinckley & Rugby that it’s exactly the right job for me,” Laura said. “I feel I’m in the right place, at the right time, to develop specific broker relationships to meet the needs of today’s untypical borrowers. Those brokers, the Society, and I personally, share precisely the same values and goals.”

One of Laura’s main goals is to seek out new opportunities and to engage with new Intermediary partners, in markets where the Society is not so well-known.

Expanding on this, Laura said: “I’m in a position to influence product development and decision-making for the direct benefit of brokers and their clients. And I have an amazing team of enthusiastic professionals who are committed to the same journey.

“We are actively looking at specific demographics, to pinpoint where the Society’s flexible approach can deliver positive outcomes for deserving clients whom many lenders discriminate against.”

Merritt’s makes over £1m of investments in 2023

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Merritt’s makes over £1m of investments in 2023
Heavy machinery moving and industrial storage specialists, Joseph Merritt Group PLC (Merritts) has embarked on another year of significant investment. Since January 2023, the company has invested over £1 million in new machinery and equipment, with further expenditure of £500k already planned for 2024. This year’s investments include the purchase of four new Scania tractor units, two new step-frame semi-trailers with beavertail ramp systems, and the acquisition of additional warehouse space to expand its industrial storage offering to over 100,000 square feet. In 2024, Merritts will be expanding their fleet of crane trailers, with the addition of a FASSI F990RA.2.24 and a FASSI F820RA.2.24, installed onto Nooteboom trailers. This investment by the company, which was founded in 1922 and recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, ensures they will remain at the forefront of the machinery moving and installation industry. James Merritt, co-owner, said: “Over the past 18 months we have witnessed a significant increase in the requirement for turnkey factory relocation projects, with customers wishing to expand their facilities to enhance their manufacturing capabilities. “Our ongoing investment will enable us to continue delivering exceptional services to our clients while further strengthening our position as leaders in the machinery moving and industrial storage sector.”

Golf day raises money to protect local children

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Golf day raises money to protect local children

A golf day organised by two Derby businesses has raised £2,000 for the county’s specialist child exploitation charity, Safe and Sound. A group of 64 golfers took part in the event organised by Invictus Communications in Melbourne and German Automotive service and repair centre in Ascot Drive, Derby. Jonny McPhee, Managing Director of Invictus Communications has been a long-time supporter of Safe and Sound including installing a new telephony system at the charity’s offices to ensure they could keep their helplines open. He also nominated Safe and Sound to be the chosen charity for the recent East Midlands Business Awards which raised £13,000 to support their work. He said: “Safe and Sound do an incredible job protecting and supporting young people and families whose lives are affected by child exploitation. “Therefore, when we started planning the golf day with Ian Essex and the team at German Automotive, I was adamant that Safe and Sound would be a chosen charity for fundraising on the day. “Our whole ethos is buy local, sell local and support local and I am delighted that we have once again been able to make a positive difference to this amazing charity.” Tracy Harrison, CEO of Safe and Sound, met with the golfers on the day as they teed off. She said: “Once again we are very grateful for the generosity shown by Invictus Communications and the businesses and individuals they work with. “Every penny raised goes into directly supporting young people and families in our local communities through 121 and group support, positive activities and outreach work. “We can only do this with the support of our local business community and I hope they all realise what a positive difference they are making to so many people’s lives.”

Relocation and recruitment as Wells McFarlane sees positive growth

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Relocation and recruitment as Wells McFarlane sees positive growth
Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultants, Wells McFarlane has expanded with a new premises and team members. The Lutterworth-based firm has relocated from the town centre to St John’s Business Park in a move that will facilitate further growth. “Lutterworth has been our hometown since we started the business almost 20 years ago and it has a thriving local community that we were keen to remain a part of,” explains Wells McFarlane’s director and co-founder, Andrew McFarlane Holt. “However, as we looked towards the future, our previous premises no longer aligned with our plans for growth and therefore the decision was made to move. “The office at St John’s is modern and open plan, meaning our teams can collaborate more easily and efficiently. It has a breakout area, dedicated client meeting facilities including a board room and private offices for confidential transactions, and will enable us to better accommodate hybrid and flexible working patterns. Recruitment can also be accelerated, with ample space to expand our commercial property or land and development teams,” adds Andrew. Since relocating, Wells McFarlane has already taken on two new members of staff. Pip Johnstone joins as an assistant asset manager/PA, while Lesley McQuade has been appointed as PA to director, Jason Hercock. Both are supporting the firm’s residential and commercial teams with marketing, lease renewals and administrative duties. Director and co-founder, Trevor Wells says: “Despite some challenging market conditions and uncertainty particularly surrounding the office market post-Covid, our business has performed strongly so we’ve actively recruited, adding talented professionals like Pip and Lesley who have both fitted in seamlessly. “This positive performance can be seen across all areas of our expertise, from land sales that will enable the creation of new homes or agricultural jobs to the increased amount of office and industrial parks we now have in our management portfolio. “Of course, a key differential in our growth this year was being ranked as the CoStar number one agent for office and investment deals in Leicester and the East Midlands. This independent award confirmed to existing and potential clients our solid understanding of the market, its drivers and key trends, and that they can be assured of the most robust and considered advice to maximise assets or secure the best deals. “As we plan ahead for next year, our 21st birthday and our longer-term growth, we’re confident we now have the right people in the right place to achieve further success,” concludes Trevor.

Leicester charity helps shape national recruitment framework

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Leicester charity helps shape national recruitment framework
Employers are invited to assess themselves against nine new standards measuring the quality of their engagement with young job-seekers. The Careers & Enterprise Company has developed its ‘Employer Standards’ framework as a method of improving engagement between young people and employers. Each standard reflects a different aspect of the central role employers play in developing effective careers provision in schools and colleges. Measures include providing opportunities for young people looking to embark on careers, building skills, and preparing young people for the application process. More than 360 employers nationwide have already assessed themselves against the nine evidence-based standards. The results show:
  • Employers who promoted careers pathways were up to four times more likely to see an increase in the number of young people applying for apprenticeships.
  • Sectors, such as construction, with established systems for long-term engagement with young people were achieving more of the standards.
  • Employers were faring worst against the standard for preparing young people for application processes and interview.
Meeting with employers enables pupils and students to gain skills, build networks, and increase social capital – with disadvantaged young people benefiting most. Such exchanges also benefit businesses, with CEC research finding that some are gaining from effective outreach amidst wider challenges with skills shortages. Nationally, the likes of Tesco, Lloyds Banking Group, KPMG, and BAE Systems have already made use of the online assessment tool. The LLEP Careers Hub was one of the first to pilot the framework. Each of its 10 cornerstone employers – which include Cavendish Nuclear, CR Civil Engineering, DHL, and Leicester City FC – has completed the free assessment. Meanwhile, The Mighty Creatives, another LLEP Careers Hub cornerstone employer, helped develop the resources for the inclusivity standard, which has now been rolled out nationwide. It means that organisations which complete the survey, and not meeting the inclusivity standard, will be referred to a video and help guide created with the Leicester-based charity. Phoebe Dawson, Chief Executive, LLEP, said: “Inclusivity is one of four pillars of Leicester and Leicestershire’s Economic Growth Strategy as we aim to create an adaptive workforce in which everyone has access to skills and career progression. “By contributing to the development of the CEC framework, we are not just helping include young people but also bridging the gap between education and careers in industry.” Dr Nick Owen MBE, Chief Executive, The Mighty Creatives, said: “The pandemic seriously jeopardised the education and employment prospects of many young people. “It is vital that employers are confident enough to be able to play a part in offering real, meaningful employment opportunities for those young people. “Working with the LLEP Careers Hub, and contributing towards shaping the national recruitment inclusivity framework, does just that.” Cornerstone employer chair Mary O’Shaugnessy, Safeguarding Specialist, Strategy and Regulation for Cadent Gas Ltd, said: “The employer assessment is easy to complete and provides a snapshot of areas where we need to focus – along with positive reinforcement of what is going well.”
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