Flex office operator raises funds for national literacy charity
A fundraising campaign organised by flex office operator, Cubo, has raised £750 for national literacy charity, Bookmark.
The campaign was launched in late November in a bid to encourage members and businesses to ‘Gift a Child a Book at Christmas.’
By the end of the year £750 had been raised, which will enable the charity to buy 150 new books for children.
Cubo has now adopted Bookmark Reading Charity as its annual charity for 2024. The company is set to organise a series of fundraising events throughout the year to buy more books and help transform children’s lives through the joy of reading.
SATs results from July 2023 revealed that one in four children leave primary school without the ability to read proficiently. In addition, the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers has now reached its widest point in a decade (FEA, 2022).
Bookmark was founded by Sharon Pindar in 2018 and aims to change children’s life stories through the joy of reading.
Bookmark works with children who face barriers to becoming readers by providing one-to-one reading programmes, both online and in person.
The charity also equips schools with dedicated resources to offer wraparound support, providing diverse, high-quality books, materials for extracurricular reading, and on-going support for teacher training and development.
As part of its mission, Bookmark aims to deliver 50,741 one-to-one reading sessions to children during 2024. This time, when scheduled back-to-back equates to three years of non-stop reading.
The charity also aims to send out thousands of books and reading resources to children across the country, putting them directly into the hands of children who need them most.
Commenting on the money raised for Bookmark, Rebecca Brough, CMO at Cubo, said: “The response from our members and local businesses in the run up to Christmas was fantastic, and we’re thrilled to have raised so much money in such a short space of time.
“Bookmark is an incredible charity, which is working to brighten the lives of children and empower them through the gift of literature. This aligns perfectly with Cubo’s vision of making a tangible difference in communities where we have a presence.”
To donate to Cubo’s fundraising appeal, visit bit.ly/Donate-cubo.
Go-ahead given for 392,000 sq ft M1 industrial scheme
Developers HBD, part of Henry Boot, and CEG have secured a resolution to grant planning permission for APEX; a new 392,000 sq ft logistics and manufacturing hub in Mansfield that could create up to 500 new jobs. The partnership will deliver five high-spec buildings at the site, formerly known as Penniment Farm, ranging from 30,000 to 150,000 sq ft and ready to occupy from Autumn 2025. APEX is located on one of the Midlands’ key industrial corridors, with motorway access from J28 and J29 of the M1, and each of the buildings is designed with sustainability in mind.Vivienne Clements, head of industrial and logistics at HBD, said: “We’re pleased to be working with CEG to deliver this latest logistics scheme – it benefits from an excellent position on the M1 and, given its sustainability credentials and the local skills base in Mansfield, we expect to see strong interest from potential occupiers.“Supply of high-spec industrial stock coming forward remains low across key industrial corridors in the Midlands – we’ll be looking to bring space forward quickly to meet established demand, with the first buildings ready to occupy from Autumn 2025.” Matthew Rhodes, planning manager at CEG, said: “We have worked on the Penniment Farm development for many years and new homes are already being delivered at the site.
“This significant proposal represents one of the largest job creation projects in Mansfield in recent years and will assist the Council in delivering its economic strategy of attracting inwards investment and creating more job opportunities for local people.
“The development will provide flexibility, both in terms of uses and unit sizes, and is located in a strong commercial location with good transport links and access to a large, growing workforce. The site will appeal to a wide range of occupiers, from inward investing companies, trade and industrial occupiers to local businesses seeking higher quality space.
“Having delivered a number of Midlands employment sites, including Vesuvius at Worksop and Vaughan Trading Estate in Tipton, we are confident that APEX will also be a huge success, creating hundreds of jobs and economic benefits for the local area.”
The property agents for APEX are FHP, CPP and M1 Agency.
Have we become too obsessed about the use of technology in our businesses? By James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, reflects on the “frenzy of activity” in businesses adopting new tech.
The last 12 months seem to have been unprecedented in terms of the use and introduction of technology and digital innovation. Who would have thought that OpenAI and ChatGPT only really came to market and wider use in November 2022? With the launch of Google’s AI and other platforms there does seem to be a frenzy of activity as organisations seek to understand what artificial intelligence can do for them or how it might impact their businesses.
This follows several years, which included the pandemic and lockdowns, when we looked at the use of technology and digitisation to manage our organisations. Following Brexit increased focus was also placed on the use of technology to address issues around supply chain management and labour shortages.
On a personal basis, all of us no doubt are having to master and get to grips with a growing number of software programmes and platforms aimed at making our lives, or at least the day job, easier. How often though do we find things take longer, don’t work as promised and in fact are more of a hinderance than a benefit?
From a consumer perspective, it seems we are increasingly required to use automated communications, customer portals and management systems, apps, digital receptionists and chat functions. How often though do these leave us with a sense of frustration, disillusionment, and dissatisfaction?
Perhaps the ultimate is when the technology does not work and whilst the problem could be a ‘picnic’ (problem in chair not in computer) there does seem to be an increasing level of system failures. The cost of which can be significant in more ways than just financially, with demoralised workers, dissatisfied customers, and even corporate reputational damage.
Has the time then come for business leaders and organisations to take a fresh look at their strategy and approach to the role and use of technology? At the same time there is a need to consider the balance and our focus around being driven or controlled by technology versus the needs of our customers and work colleagues.
For some there is probably a need to realign our thinking in terms of being focused on the problems technology can solve or the benefits it brings as opposed perhaps to being taken in by the latest ‘exciting’ innovation or trend or the salesperson’s pitch!
A starting point could be considering what problems we look to solve in terms of the use of technology. These include:
- Increasing productivity
- Improving working practices for employees
- Increasing operational capacity
- Reducing costs
- Improving profitability
- Addressing labour and skills shortages
- Improving and enhancing customer experience
- Offering customers something new
- Gaining a competitive advantage
- Improving internal reporting and management
Charity’s office refurbishments reach completion after receiving grant
Living Without Abuse, a charity supporting anyone affected by Domestic Abuse and/or Sexual Violence across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, are finally enjoying their new working spaces after a much-needed refurbishment at their Loughborough and Leicester offices.
Severn Trent Community Fund awarded the charity £14,840 to complete the project, which saw the offices that staff and clients use at LWA receive a much-needed makeover, to provide a warm, welcoming, and safe space for employees and victims escaping trauma.
With almost sixty colleagues using the offices daily to advise, help and support those fleeing or enduring unthinkable situations, it was important that this was done efficiently and quickly, without disrupting them and their workload.
After receiving the funds back in April 2023, LWA wasted no time in planning and ensuring funds were well spent, providing new office furniture, network improvements, furnishings and decorating rooms to allow staff and clients to feel happier in their working environment.
Work began on LWA’s Loughborough office in August, turning their dated meeting room and offices into a relaxed, inviting environment for all.
As well as comfortable furniture and artwork, sound proofing was implemented into the wellbeing/lounge areas to ensure clients and victims of domestic abuse could come and talk to members of LWA’s professional teams in confidence.
The Leicester office located on London Road needed a little more than furniture. Long-serving colleagues were consulted on their opinions and palettes, and after a hiring a decorator to begin the makeover, the client meeting rooms and wellbeing areas were transformed from grey and cold, to warm and inviting in under a week.
Emma Bliss, fundraiser, says: “Thanks to the funding and support from the Severn Trent Community Fund, we have been able to refurbish both our Leicester and Loughborough offices. Our staff deal with a multitude of clients daily, often experiencing stressful and sometimes, very dangerous situations.
“With support needs and demand for LWA’s services increasing every week, it was so important that we could use the funding to provide comfortable and inviting office spaces where colleagues looked forward to coming to work in, and clients could feel safe and relaxed when visiting to discuss sensitive topics.”
Green light for Edwalton convenience store and retirement apartments
Planning permission has been granted for a new convenience store and 77 retirement apartments at Edwalton, near Nottingham.
Developer Charterpoint and not-for-profit housing provider Anchor have received reserved matters planning permission from Rushcliffe Borough Council for the scheme on the corner of Rose Way and Melton Road.
The 2.2 acre site will feature a single-storey convenience store, plus a three-storey retirement apartment scheme providing a range of one and two-bedroom apartments.
Charterpoint has now completed on the deal to sell part of the site to Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life.
Anchor will carry forward and operate the retirement development, which will include a range of residents’ amenities and a courtyard garden, as well as 77 apartments.
Charterpoint will develop the remainder of the site for the convenience store and will announce further details in due course.
Charterpoint CEO Adrian Goose said: “We are very pleased to have received reserved matters planning consent for this key plot in Edwalton and to have subsequently sold part of the site to Anchor.
“The area around the site has grown considerably in recent years, with new housing, retail and commercial developments. Our plan for the site on the corner of Rose Way and Melton Road will bring a new convenience store to the neighbourhood.
“It will also provide much needed affordable retirement apartments for the community, operated by Anchor, which will help to free up larger family homes in Edwalton, West Bridgford and the wider area.”
Patrick Duffy, Anchor’s director of new business, said: “We are delighted to have acquired this site from Charterpoint. This is a key new development for us to work in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council to provide affordable homes for older people locally. We look forward to working with Charterpoint to deliver the wider scheme for the local community.”
The plans for the Edwalton site were designed by Brewster Bye Architects.
Nottingham-based Retail Assist joins Derby tech firm Barron McCann group of companies
Nottingham-based Retail Assist – a provider of managed services and IT solutions that works with the likes of Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Vue International – has been acquired by local businessman Alan Watson, executive chairman and owner of independent technology service provider Barron McCann.
Established in 1977, Barron McCann provide IT installation and maintenance services, solution design and hardware procurement within the retail, hospitality, leisure, and retail banking sectors. Headquartered in Derby with over 300 employees, Barron McCann serves many leading brands throughout the UK and Europe, supporting over 21,000 sites.
This acquisition is the next step in a successful and collaborative partnership between Retail Assist and Barron McCann, spanning over 15 years.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Barron McCann and embark on this exciting new chapter,” said Kevin Greathead, Managing Director of Retail Assist. “Through our strategic partnership, we will deliver increased value and enhanced capabilities for our customers. Our shared vision for growth and customer-centric focus sets the stage for continued success.”
Scott Watson, Managing Director of Barron McCann, said: “We are excited for Retail Assist to join the Barron McCann family. We have spent the past 15 years collaborating on numerous projects and we have built a strong partnership through our shared commitment to providing the very best service to our customers.
“This acquisition formalises our partnership, bringing award-winning managed services and leading ERP software solutions to our group’s ever-growing service portfolio.”
Alan Watson, executive chairman and owner, said: “I am delighted to welcome Retail Assist to the Barron McCann group of companies. This is the latest step in our group expansion strategy, ensuring we provide a wider and more diverse portfolio of leading services.
“Our combined offering will present a new value proposition to our existing customers whilst spearheading our expansion into new sectors.”
New bottling plant launched in Derby, creating 90 jobs
Lidl GB has launched a new bottling plant in Derby, creating around 90 jobs.
The facility will bottle water and produce a variety of soft drinks, with a production capacity of 380 million bottles per year.
The plant called MEG Derby Ltd is part of Schwarz Produktion, the umbrella brand of the Schwarz Group’s production companies. MEG is one of Germany’s leading mineral water and soft drink manufacturers, and this marks their first venture in Great Britain.
By localising production, the move will simplify transport logistics and significantly reduce the distance the products travel to stores, thereby improving Lidl’s carbon footprint and reducing costs.
Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer, Lidl GB, said: “This new venture with MEG Derby Ltd. marks a significant milestone in our commitment to improving efficiency, reducing our impact on the environment and providing our customers with great quality products at the lowest possible prices.
“Bringing production of this key product closer to home makes sense and aligns with Lidl GB’s vision of contributing positively to the local community and economy.”
Jörg Aldenkott, CEO at Schwarz Produktion, said: “The inauguration of MEG Derby Ltd. represents a pivotal moment for Schwarz Produktion. As our first venture in Great Britain, it underscores our commitment to sustainable growth, and will allow us to serve Lidl stores across Great Britain.
“As one of the leading soft drink and mineral water manufacturers in Germany we know investments like these pay off, and I can’t think of a better place to do it than in Great Britain.”
Work begins to make space for Leicester railway station transformation
An ambitious plan to transform Leicester’s historic railway station and restore its hidden Victorian façade has taken an important step forward.
The multi-million-pound project aims to revitalise and restore the landmark station building, improve facilities for passengers and create a more accessible and attractive gateway into the city.
Contractors have now been appointed to carry out the demolition of 48 London Road which stands immediately next to the railway station.
The work will be carried out by demolition specialists AR Demolition, who will take over the buildings from Monday (12 Feb). Internal works and surveys will be carried out over the coming weeks before work to carefully bring the building down gets underway in late spring.
Demolition of the property will create the space needed to relocate the railway station’s main entrance onto Station Street and create an attractive new open space that will link directly to the Granby Street super crossing and into the city centre.
It will also allow the original Station Street façade of the Grade II-listed station building to be revealed and restored to its Victorian glory.
Rail services to and from Leicester will be unaffected by the demolition works.
Pedestrian access to the railway station will also continue as normal during the demolition works, with the London Road entrance and rear entrance from the station car park both remaining open.
The railway station car park will also be open as normal.
However, traffic restrictions will be in place on Station Street to facilitate the works from Monday 12 February. This will mean that access to Station Street will be limited to essential vehicles only.
The ambitious railway station redevelopment project is led by Leicester City Council in partnership with East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Network Rail. The project is backed by £17.6million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund which aims to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Leicester’s railway station is a landmark historic building but, as an important transport hub, it needs a radical overhaul to meet the needs of a modern city the size of Leicester.
“We have been working closely with our rail industry partners to develop and progress these ambitious plans which will see the station revamped and revitalised. It is a major and complex project that will make a huge difference to the city and it’s encouraging to see that work is now underway.
“The award of almost £18million of extra investment from the Government through the Levelling Up Fund is a tremendous endorsement of the importance of this project. It will help transform the area into a vibrant gateway and make a vital contribution to Leicester’s future growth and prosperity.”
Under the plans, Station Street will be permanently closed to traffic and replaced with an attractive new pedestrianised open space, with trees and landscaping, to create a direct link between the railway station’s new entrance and the city centre.
The new entrance will feature a ramp and steps leading directly to the main concourse and ticket hall. The ticket hall itself will be re-configured and opened up to provide more space for passengers. New skylights will be installed in place of the existing suspended ceiling to let more natural light into the hall.
Taxis will be relocated from inside the existing covered main entrance hall – or porte-cochère – to a new purpose-built looped taxi rank area off Fox Street, close to the new entrance. This will free up the glass-roofed porte-cochere to be revamped as an attractive new plaza for cafes, bars or retail.
A new secure cycle store will also be created close to the new entrance.
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “We’re excited to work alongside Leicester City Council and Network Rail to significantly improve the facilities for our customers.
“The investment will see the iconic Leicester railway station restored back to its Victorian glory. The development will transform Leicester railway station, as the gateway to the city, by encouraging integration with the surrounding community and offering an improved customer experience to all station visitors.”
Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, said: “This exciting project will transform Leicester station entrance, bringing better facilities and creating a fitting gateway to the city.
“We’ll continue to work closely with Leicester City Council and East Midlands Railway to deliver these ambitious, major improvements for passengers.”
Demolition work is expected to be complete by summer 2024. Construction works will follow shortly after.
It is estimated that Leicester railway station is currently used by around five million passengers each year. This is forecast to increase by around 60 per cent over the next 20 years.
Revenues leap at Journeo
Revenues have leaped at Journeo plc, the provider of information systems and technical services to transport operators and local authorities.
According to a trading update for the year to 31 December 2023, results are expected to be in-line with market expectations, with group revenues increasing by 118% to £46m, up from £21m in 2022.
Acquired businesses, Infotec and MultiQ, have performed well and contributed £21m in revenues during the year.
Adjusted profit before tax is anticipated to be in-line with market expectations.
Russ Singleton, Chief Executive of Journeo plc, which is headquartered in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, said: “I am very pleased with the progress we made in 2023, both organically and through two acquisitions.
“These developments are fuelling our strategy to broaden our customer base, extend our geographic reach, deepen our capabilities and provide us with access to thematically linked adjacent markets.
“We have strengthened our recurring revenue alongside our order book and pipeline, providing good forward earnings visibility and a solid base on which grow the business further.
“Together with significantly improved cash balances, we are investing in our people and technologies to develop innovative products and services that meet our customer requirements, as well as anticipating the future needs of the public transport sector.
“With a strong sense of momentum and an increasingly compelling customer offering, we look forward to further organic and acquisitive growth.”
Northamptonshire contractor appoints head of IT to drive digital transformation
Main contractor Kori Construction has appointed a head of IT to spearhead the business’s ongoing digital transformation.
Anthony Francis, 43, brings 24 years of digital experience to the East Midlands company, including stints in the legal and construction sectors.
In his new role, Anthony is aiming to significantly reduce the administrative burden within business via effective enterprise resource planning (ERP), as well as optimising cyber security to ensure all business and client data is safely stored.
His work will also enable Kori Construction to utilise project data more effectively to make better future decisions, and track the carbon emissions of both the business and its projects, helping to minimise its impact on the environment.
Anthony said he was looking to solve the key pain points his colleagues are facing to help free them up to spend more time delivering frontline services.
He said: “Digital transformation is primarily about increasing back office efficiency to support the frontline team. If we can help them to do their jobs as best they can, they can focus on providing an exceptional experience to clients.
“In this respect, data is king. Data enables us to understand our processes on a deeper level and bring this understanding to our work. It enables us to make better decisions going forward and ultimately, provide a better service to clients.”
He added optimising cyber security was another vital part of the digital transformation journey, as was looking at ways to integrate the latest technology into the business, particularly AI.
“AI represents a huge opportunity for construction and as the technology evolves, the possibilities will be almost endless,” he said.
“As part of Kori’s ongoing digital strategy I will be looking at ways to integrate this technology across the business, to help take us to the next level.”
Jordan Connachie, Managing Director of Kori Construction, welcomed Anthony to the team.
He said: “As a business, we have been going through a digital transformation journey over the past couple of years, particularly in relation to financial management.
“However, we reached a point where we needed to bring in specialist expertise to continue that journey.
“Anthony is hugely knowledgeable about all things digital and has been brought on board to ensure we provide the best working environment for our team, that we handle our own data and that of our clients in the most secure way possible, reduce our carbon emissions and integrate new technologies into the business.
“Over time, I believe his work will have a transformative impact on Kori Construction and the service we are able to provide to clients.”
