Northants firm donates £1,000 to Corby Athletics Club
An electrical, plumbing and heating business has supported a Northamptonshire athletics club by making a donation towards its services and facilities.
Corby Athletics Club received £1,000 from RK Electrical Mechanical Services after the firm vowed to support organisations in the county.
The donation will help the family-friendly club continue to run training sessions and take part in competitions for track and field athletics, road running and cross country.
Desborough-based RK Electrical is also having trackside banners at the Rockingham Triangle Athletics Stadium to further showcase its support to Corby Athletics Club.
Kye Bishop, general manager of RK Electrical Mechanical Services, said: “I am thrilled to announce our donation of £1,000 to the much-loved Corby Athletics Club.
“We strongly believe in supporting our local community, and this contribution will enable the club to maintain their invaluable services.”
He added: “We are proud to play a part in nurturing a healthy and vibrant environment for athletes of all ages, and we hope this donation will inspire others to contribute to the success and growth of our family-friendly club.
“We’re proud to help the club to continue to ignite the spirit of athleticism and empower our community through sports.”
Corby Athletics Club is a friendly, competitive athletics club for everyone aged eight and upwards from Corby, the surrounding areas, and across Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.
Graham Curtis, treasurer of Corby Athletics Club, said: “Our Club is no different from other organisations with our costs rising, so it is pleasing to accept this donation from R K Electrical Mechanical Services, which is being put into helping us to continue to run the Rockingham Triangle Athletic Stadium.
“It will provide facilities for our members to train, especially our younger members, so we can help in their fitness and well-being development.”
He added: “It will also help us to run the Athletic Stadium and to continue to welcome schools and other organisations to our athletic facilities.”
Derby city centre office building let
Wesley House, a four storey office building on St Michaels Lane, Derby has been let by FHP Property Consultants on new lease terms to Imbue Ventures Limited.
The property provides a mix of open plan and cellular accommodation on all floors and benefits from undergoing a recent refurbishment.
The property is situated a short walk from the city centre, providing local amenities, and also benefits from on site car parking for at least seven vehicles.
Darran Severn of FHP Property Consultants says: “I am pleased this letting has completed and I wish the new tenant every success. There is a real shortage of good quality office accommodation not only in Derby city centre, but also on Pride Park.
“As a result we are speaking with a number of occupiers who are looking for presentable space similar to Wesley House. With low supply, rents remain consistent with newly refurbished space available at a premium.”
Simon Leonard from Imbue Ventures says: “We are delighted to have completed which paves the way for our new home in the heart of the city centre.”
Property investment company acquires Melton Mowbray service station
Property investment company, Ace Liberty and Stone has acquired Egerton Park service station on Leicester Road, Melton Mowbray for £2.7m.
The property comprises a BP branded forecourt with a M&S branded convenience store. There is over ten years remaining on the lease with expiry in September 2033.
The current annual rental income is £181,025 with a fixed increase to £204,814 in September 2023.
This deal follows the acquisition of Loders Service Station, The Grove, Dorchester, earlier this year.
Ismail Ghandour, CEO, said: “The acquisition of Melton Mowbray and Dorchester further strengthens our portfolio and is consistent with our strategy of developing a diverse portfolio of assets with long-term secure income.”
Wilko owners consider sale
A change in ownership may be on the horizon for Wilko, as the family behind the Nottinghamshire retailer looks to secure its future.
According to reports from Sky News, advisers to Wilko have started exploring potential buyers of the business over the past few days.
A deal would see the Wilkinson family give up majority control.
Large general merchandise chains are said to have been approached about recapitalising the business.
It follows discussions with financial investors regarding raising new equity to finance the firm through a restructuring process.
Wilko had recently been looking to finalise a company voluntary arrangement to facilitate rent cuts at hundreds of shops.
Wilko is the UK’s 23rd biggest retailer, employing 16,000 team members. It operates 400 stores across the UK.
Lincoln High Street store acquired for national card retailer
National card retailer Cardzone has acquired a store in Lincoln.
Occupying a prime location at 304 High Street, the property is in the heart of Lincoln’s city centre amongst numerous national retailers.
Tom Wragg, associate director at FHP, who acted for long standing clients Cardzone, said: “The property had been occupied by Paperchase until their insolvency in early 2023 creating an excellent opportunity for Cardzone to trade their fantastic new Mooch concept.
“I am proud to have played a part in identifying this opportunity and negotiating a new lease on behalf of my client.”
Peter Drewitt of Cardzone added: “I am pleased to have worked with FHP to secure this property, which will be an exciting additional to our new Mooch brand that is being rolled out in selected locations nationwide.”
Rushton Hickman secures prestigious management instruction
The Property Management department of Rushton Hickman has landed a major new management instruction after being asked to undertake the management of Barton Hall in Church Broughton.
Barton Hall is an exquisite Grade II* listed building with early 15th century origins and is situated on a site of approximately 168 acres of land.
In addition to the main residence there are four cottages, racing stables, a bungalow, yard area and acres of farm and grazing land, all of which Rushton Hickman have been instructed solely to deal with the management of.
Richard Fairey, director of the Property Management section at Rushton Hickman, said: “The setting of Barton Hall is second to none and our local knowledge and experience of similar settings such as this ensures that our client is in the right hands.”
Jade Martin, property manager at Rushton Hickman, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to be involved with such a prestigious property and we look forward to working with the new owners and tenants on the management of the site.”
Futures and United Living partner to build 38 affordable Northampton homes
Futures Housing Group, a not-for-profit housing association in the East Midlands, is working with United Living Group to build 38 affordable homes in Northampton.Futures has awarded United Living a £9.2 million contract to build the new development on Central Avenue, Northampton.The site will be made up of 20 social rent and 18 shared ownership properties, including one bed flats and two and three bed homes. The project is expected to take 18 months to complete.Lindsey Williams, Group Chief Executive of Futures, said: “I’m really pleased Futures is working together with United Living to build much needed homes for people in Northamptonshire. There’s an annual shortfall in the number of homes being built across our region and nationwide, so developments like this are very much a part of our core purpose here at Futures.”Caroline Lewis, Managing Director of United Living, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract. Northampton is experiencing a social housing shortage, and we are pleased to be able to create accessible, safe and comfortable accommodations to help address these local needs.”Lindsey added: “Building new, affordable homes is a key priority for Futures as we continually strive to support the community with more housing. I look forward to seeing the homes developed with United Living over the next few years.”
East Midlands businesses set their sights on India for international expansion
As negotiations around a UK-India Free Trade Agreement draw closer to completion, new research from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s Business Outlook Tracker finds that India is a core focus international growth market for the East Midlands mid-market.
The firm’s Business Outlook Tracker, which surveyed mid-sized businesses in the East Midlands, finds that almost half (49%) of business leaders are planning to invest more in growing internationally in the next six months. Many of these businesses have their sights set on India, with 76% of respondents identifying the country as a focus international growth market.
The East Midlands mid-market is already very familiar with doing business in India, with over three quarters (76%) of the businesses surveyed already having an established presence there. Of these, almost all (92%) have plans to expand their presence, with the majority having plans to do so within the next two years.
The opportunities that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would offer are also evident to the region’s business leaders. As negotiations continue, 80% of respondents agree that an FTA with India is likely to encourage their business to explore more opportunities there.
As India’s economy continues to grow in strength, the mid-market sees many benefits to establishing a business presence in this market. The top three benefits identified by the research are: a fast growing and stable economy, ease of doing business, a large working age population.
However, while establishing a business presence in an international market can offer numerous opportunities, it also presents challenges. The biggest barriers for the mid-market to building a business presence in India identified by the research are: high tariffs and protectionist policies, infrastructure, safeguarding intellectual property.
James Brown, practice leader for Grant Thornton UK LLP in the Central and East region, said: “India is now the fifth largest economy in the world and is predicted to become the third largest by 2030. It therefore presents a huge opportunity for growth for businesses in the East Midlands.
“As the country is only set to continue to grow, it is an excellent time for both those with an existing presence, and those looking to India for the first time, to be exploring potential opportunities in this market.
“With the uncertain geopolitical situation at the moment, India offers a stable and certain economic environment for investors and businesses, with, not only a fast-growing economy, but also a large working age and consumer population.
“The anticipated UK-India Free Trade Agreement should also help propel the relationship between the two countries further and provide an excellent platform for further investment.
“An FTA should reduce tariffs and duties to allow for a more level playing field for overseas businesses and give greater access to a large and fast-growing market. It should also allow for the relaxation of certain regulations and help improve the ease with which businesses in the UK can look to do business with, or within, India.
“While our research has identified the biggest challenges many businesses face when setting up in India – as there are challenges looking to grow internationally anywhere in the world – there is support available.
“The Department for Business and Trade provides support to those seeking to trade or invest in India, while firms, such as ours, can also provide tailored support for businesses exploring new markets.”
Clumber Consultancy expands into South-East with key hire
Clumber Consultancy, the specialist Pensions and ERA Service provider for the UK insolvency market, is expanding, with Prameela Tamber joining as client director.
This key strategic hire will now see the Nottinghamshire firm become better able to target their niche offering into the South-East.
Prameela will be based in London and has been brought on board to strengthen the fast-growing company’s ERA (Employment Rights Act) team.
Prameela brings with her 13 years of ERA experience, having previously worked at a boutique insolvency practice in the capital.
Clumber Consultancy is led by Managing Director Darren Toms. He said: “We’re delighted that Prameela will be spearheading our growth in the south east of England and of course in the capital and the heart of the financial sector.
“Prameela will give our ERA team presence in the South-East, whilst the rest of the team covers the rest of the UK from their Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire bases.
“Prameela’s primary focus is to work on ERA assignments in the South-East region but she will also be operating in a Business Development role, servicing existing and new clients in and around London.”
Clumber Consultancy’s primary focus is compliance and ensuring that employees receive what they are entitled to, following redundancy in an insolvency appointment.
Highlight responsible businesses at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
On Thursday 28 September, East Midlands Business Link’s prestigious Bricks Awards will take place at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrating the region’s property and construction industry.
The annual event recognises development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
With nominations closing on Thursday 31 August, 10 categories are available to enter. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your projects and team, reward their hard work, and boost morale.
Amongst this year’s categories is Responsible Business of the Year, which can be entered here.
The winner of this award will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain.
Last year the award was won by Cawarden. On winning two awards at the 2022 event, William Crooks, Managing Director of Cawarden, said: “It was fantastic for Cawarden to be presented with not one but two prestigious awards at this year’s Bricks Awards. We received the Contractor of the Year title for the second year in a row, which is absolutely fantastic to be recognised again for our project and service delivery expertise.
“Despite the challenging landscape, we’ve had an exceptional year, achieving sustainable growth whilst delivering a diverse range of projects for some of the UK’s leading clients. To then pick up the Responsible Business of the Year title was the icing on the cake. We’re committed to improving the image of the industry, and we strive to raise the bar for our people, the planet, and the community.
“To receive an award for our recent achievements is wonderful. A big thank you to the judges and congratulations must also go to all the other award finalists and winners. The event was a real showcase for the regional property and construction sector, and we are more than proud to be part of it!”
Other finalists for the category were Arc Partnership and Phoenix Brickwork.
This year’s Responsible Business of the Year award will once again be sponsored by Press for Attention PR. Speaking with Business Link, Greg Simpson, founder, said: “We have proudly sponsored this category for many years now because we think that it is crucial that companies that proactively demonstrate that corporate responsibility is an important part of their culture should be recognised.
“Without being too political, the past weeks have brought further attention to the impact that we as individuals and companies can have on our planet. Change is in the air and that is being welcomed and embraced by employer and employee alike and will play an increasing role in purchasing, hiring and procurement decisions. CSR is not (or certainly should not be) a box-ticking exercise, it is part of being a responsible organisation and I look forward to learning more from our finalists.”
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Other award categories open for entry include: Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Architects of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Estate Agent, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
To be held at:
Submit your nominations for Responsible Business of the Year here before entries close on Thursday 31 August.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 28 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region.
Other award categories open for entry include: Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Architects of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Developer of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Estate Agent, Excellence in Design, and Sustainable Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here.
The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also receive a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on Thursday 28 September 2023 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region, and hear from Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, our keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire. Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
