New Nottinghamshire office for project management firm
Consultancy firm Bentley Project Management will soon take up a new home at Ruddington Fields Business Park following the completion of works to revamp the space during the summer.
The firm, which is currently based in Lockington in Derbyshire, has taken some 5,278 sq ft of office space at Discovery House with plans to relocate during the summer months following a transformation being led by Arc Business Interiors.
Managing Director Jonathon Bentley, said: “2023 is an important year for us – we celebrate our 10-year anniversary in a few weeks’ time, and we have been taking the time to consider our strategy for growth as we move into our second decade with exciting plans to take the business forwards.
“Our new office location plays a key role in those plans and we are really looking forward to making the move once the transformation is complete later this year. We’re working with the team at Arc Interiors at the moment to breathe new life into the space and create a workspace that reflects our ethos which is something we are really excited about.”
Work to revamp the space at Discovery House has now begun and will include a range of sustainable design elements including the use of recycled carpets throughout – with the existing flooring being recycled – and elements of biophilic design throughout.
The open floor plan will provide collaborative workspaces and meeting areas, social spaces as well as quiet ‘pods’ for meetings.
Andrew Hobson at Arc Business Interiors said: “We are really pleased to be working alongside Bentley to deliver their vision for a modern and creative office space that really supports its ambitious plans over the coming months and years. This is a real team effort and we are looking forward to seeing the concepts coming to life.”
Thomas Szymkiw of FHP oversaw the deal on the behalf of the landlord, Capita. He added: “I am delighted to have assisted Bentley Project Management with their relocation and expansion at Discovery House. The building will provide them with a stunning office in beautiful surroundings – close to Rushcliffe Country Park and all the fantastic amenities the town of Ruddington has to offer.
“It was a pleasure to work with both landlord and tenant on the transaction and I wish the team at Bentley all the best of luck for the future.”
Bank of England raises interest rates to 4.5%
The Bank of England has raised interest rates from 4.25% to 4.5%, with inflation anticipated to stay higher for longer than previously expected.
The 12th successive increase sees rates sit at their highest level since the 2008 financial crisis.
The Bank is now expecting the inflation rate (currently at 10.1%) to be over 5% at the end of the year, rather than below 4%, as forecast in February, thanks to high food prices and a resilient job market.
The Bank’s official inflation target is 2%.
Martin Beck, chief economic advisor to the EY ITEM Club, reacted: “The Bank of England’s approach since late 2021 of consistently increasing interest rates continued this month. A 7-2 majority on the MPC voted to raise Bank Rate by 25bps to 4.5%, adding to the most significant tightening in monetary policy in over 30 years and lifting the policy rate to the highest since October 2008.
“In the view of the majority on the MPC, another rate rise was justified by an economy more resilient than expected, persistent strength in domestic price and wage setting, and a tight jobs market. The impact of the first factor was revealed in the biggest upgrade to growth forecasts in the MPC’s history. Thanks in part to further falls in wholesale energy prices, previous predictions of a prolonged recession have been revised away and the Bank of England now expects the economy to expand 0.25% this year and 0.75% in 2024, versus declines of 0.5% and 0.25% in its last forecast in February. That said, the Bank of England’s forecast for growth next year is still below the latest consensus of 0.9%.
“With the latest rise in Bank Rate widely expected, the big uncertainty in advance of the MPC’s latest decision was the message the committee would send about the likelihood of yet more rate increases in the months ahead. On that score, the MPC kept the door open to more tightening if inflation proves “persistent”, retaining the data-driven approach it has set out in recent meetings. And there was no sign of push back against current market interest rate expectations, which, in advance of May’s meeting, saw Bank Rate peaking at 4.75%-5% later this year.
“The EY ITEM Club is warier about expecting further increases in Bank Rate. Granted, the Bank of England thinks inflation will fall less rapidly than in its last forecast, mainly due to an assumption of higher food price inflation, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure predicted to be just above 5% at the end of this year. And the Bank of England still sees significant upside risks to the inflation outlook from “second round effects” of high inflation feeding into domestic prices and wages.
“But there’s now a lot of monetary tightening in the system, and the impact on activity and prices comes with a lengthy lag. The Bank of England’s own estimate is that only a third of the impact of rising rates has yet been felt by households. And the Bank’s central forecast shows inflation falling well below the 2% target during 2025. Since the Bank of England targets headline inflation, it will be increasingly difficult to present a justification for more rate rises while also forecasting a substantial undershoot of the inflation target.
“What’s more, the next couple of months are likely to bring a significant decline in headline, core and services inflation, as lower energy prices push down headline inflation and, indirectly, weigh on underlying inflationary pressure. This should further depress inflation expectations among the public, feeding through into lower wage demands, constraining businesses’ ability and willingness to put up prices.
“But the hawkish skew of today’s announcement, with upgrades to growth and inflation forecasts, suggests one more rate rise wouldn’t be out of the question. And if the Bank of England’s expectation of greater stickiness in inflation proves true, the prospect of rate cuts may be delayed until well into 2024.”
Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland to showcase £1bn of investment opportunities at UKREiiF
Over £1bn of investment opportunities in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland will be showcased by a collaborative inward investment team at national investor forum UKREiiF.
Representatives from Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) and Team Lincolnshire – a public and private sector group of Lincolnshire ambassadors – are attending the event in Leeds next week (16 to 18 May).
In its second year, UKREiiF is set to attract more than 6,000 delegates from the property industry, with more than 250 UK local authorities in attendance over the three-day event.
The Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland inward investment team has ambitious plans for the region and will be sharing investment prospects across its 10-strong sector proposition, including advanced engineering and manufacturing, visitor economy, defence, health and life sciences, digital tech, commercial and residential development, and a particular focus on agri-food, low carbon energy and logistics.
Investment opportunities across the region include the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone, Humber Freeport, hotel sites ready for development, land earmarked for housing, multiple business centres and commercial space and more.
Andy Gutherson, Executive Director of Place at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We saw great value from our attendance at UKREiiF last year and with the event set to be even bigger this year, we need to seize the opportunity to champion our region on a national stage once again.
“We are focussed on targeting investors, developers and organisations that can help drive forward our key sectors and our work at the event will contribute towards growing our Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland economy and to create new jobs.”
The lifestyle in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland will also play a key part in the team’s promotion of the region as a place to live, learn, work and invest.
Tony Reynolds, Inward Investment Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, adds: “UKREiiF is a fantastic platform for LCC, GLLEP, Team Lincolnshire and our local district councils to speak directly to investors about the unique opportunities we have to offer. Conversations had and connections made at these events are incredibly valuable and make a positive and far-reaching impact on our local economy.
“Collaboratively, and as part of Midlands Engine, we will be flying the flag for the region as the place to live, learn, work and invest in and with a busy diary of meets, I’m looking forward to what the team and I can cultivate for Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland.”
Lincolnshire excels in food processing and agri-tech and was chosen as one of the Government’s manufacturing zones. This followed growth deal grants of £18 million, including £5.1 million for South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone and £2.4 million for University of Lincoln’s Centre of Excellence in Agri-food and Technology at Holbeach.
Simon Wright, Regeneration and Portfolio Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland is a place of space and ambition and we’re looking forward to presenting a number of transformational opportunities to investors at UKREiiF, including our South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone.
“This state-of-the-art facility in the heart of the UK Food Valley provides work space, connections and support for SMEs in the food manufacturing and agri-food tech sectors, to enable growth, innovation and collaboration. This scheme alone provides multiple impressive real estate opportunities for investors.”
During UKREiiF, Team Lincolnshire, Knights and Lindum will be co-hosting a reception for ambassadors and guests on 17 May, with over 100 attendees expected. Those interested in attending can email teamlincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Pall-Ex raises over £40,000 for veterans charity
Pall-Ex is celebrating Military Awareness Month by achieving an outstanding fundraising milestone, donating over £40,000 for veteran’s mental health charity, Combat Stress.
Pall-Ex partnered with Combat Stress in 2019 to raise money for ex-service men and women dealing with mental health issues, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. The charity provides specialist treatment for veterans with complex mental health issues related to their military service.
It can be difficult to understand for people who haven’t served in the Armed Forces. But everyday sights, sounds and smells can easily transport a veteran back to a time of conflict.
Whilst the smell of a BBQ could take someone back to memories of summer, for veteran Brian, it provides an unwelcome reminder of evacuating guardsmen off a burning ship in the Falklands.
Giving our ex-servicemen and women the right support is something Pall-Ex is extremely passionate about. It has been busier than ever raising money to support Combat Stress, this year alone raising over £6,000 through Stand-up bingo at its annual awards event and by taking part in Combat Stress’ March in March. This means the company has now raised £42,500 to date.
The money raised could fund 340 appointments with a psychologist, 580 one-to-one peer support sessions, or enable 1,500 calls to the 24-hour helpline provided by Combat Stress.
Pall-Ex’s commitment goes further than its fundraising efforts. Last year, the company was awarded gold for the Armed Forces Covenant, and it is now aiming to get at least 50 of its members to sign the pledge at its annual conference.
Employees at Pall-Ex also receive additional benefits. Armed Forces personnel receive 12 days extra annual leave for reservists’ duty and an additional seven days for cadets to attend training/camp.
Kevin Buchanan, Pall-Ex Group CEO, says: “We are always striving to support military personnel, past and present. Alongside our fantastic charity partnership, we also guarantee veterans an interview for any of our jobs they match the skillset for, considering their military skills and qualifications.”
The company also considers the families of people in service. He continues: “We make reasonable holiday adjustments for spouses, partners and family members before, during, or after a service persons overseas deployment to allow them time to spend with their family.”
Aggregate Industries launches ambitious net zero strategy
Construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries has published its ambitious net zero strategy.
The strategy follows the launch of the business’s sustainability strategy, Building Progress for a Sustainable Future, which sets out Aggregate Industries’ vision to become the UK leader of innovative and sustainable building solutions and its ambition to embed sustainability in the future of construction.
‘Our Journey to Net Zero’ outlines what Aggregate Industries is doing today and what it intends to do in the future to decarbonise its operations across the business at pace and achieve net zero before 2050.
It identifies five workstreams that will accelerate the journey towards net zero, and provides clear and deliverable actions and commitments for each of Aggregate Industries’ divisions to achieve by 2025. It then captures a series of long-term commitments that go beyond 2025 that form a long-term process of change.
These include:
- Reduce unblended gas oil usage by over 90% by 2035
- Increase the use of low-carbon fuels and hydrogen to over 50% of fuel mix by 2035
- Use over 2,000 low-carbon trucks, such as electric or hydrogen, within the fleet network by 2040
- Produce over 20GWh of clean energy per year from onsite renewable power generation by 2035
- Begin to capture and permanently store CO2 from the business’s Cauldon cement plant by 2030
Plans in for first warehouse at major employment site
Plans have been submitted for the first warehouse at a major 200-acre employment site in Derbyshire.
Verdant Regeneration – a partnership between Ward Recycling and Trust Utilities – was granted permission last year to regenerate the derelict Stanton Ironworks site, at Stanton-by-Dale.
Now, a planning application has been lodged with Erewash Borough Council for the first in a series of warehouses to be built at the site, which is known as New Stanton Park.
According to the application, the proposed warehouse, known as Unit 1, would cover an area of more than 20,000 sq ft and create around 130 jobs. The occupant for the new building has not been disclosed.
It is hoped that New Stanton Park will eventually feature 2.5 million square feet of warehouse and industrial unit space to accommodate around 4,000 jobs.
The borough council’s planning committee unanimously approved plans for the development back in June last year.
Speaking at the time, David Grier, of Verdant Regeneration, said: “New Stanton Park offers an excellent strategic location, blending an active rail connection with strong private and public transport connectivity, plentiful labour and a large and significant power supply.
“When combined, we are confident this will result in a highly successful development with the next chapter set to positively transform and improve the area, bringing forward large-scale job creation in the process.”
David Ward, also of Verdant Regeneration, added: “Securing outline planning permission was a hugely important step in bringing forward the regeneration of this major landmark site.
“In its redevelopment we are aiming to deliver high quality real estate that will drive occupier activity and job creation.
“We will do this with a sustainable approach, combining energy efficient buildings with large amounts of amenity and green space.
“New Stanton Park will also see fishing ponds, rural walkways and cycle tracks designed to enhance biodiversity and link the site and its wider communities.”
The scheme is being jointly marketed by M1 Agency and TBD Real Estate.
Derby duo triple turnover
A Derby-based marketing and design business has tripled its turnover and grown the team headcount by 60% after learning to “stay in its lane.”
MacMartin was founded in 2017 after sisters Claire MacDonald and Anna Hutton decided to turn their freelancing careers into a small business. Combining their expertise in behavioural science and creative marketing, the firm now produces branding and marketing campaigns for clients across the UK.
Due to strong client demand, the business reported a significant growth curve throughout 2020-21 but faced various barriers to maintain stability. Claire decided to enrol in a 12-week Help to Grow: Management Course designed to help business leaders and their senior managers to increase resilience, innovation and growth within their organisations.
Delivered by the University of Derby’s business school – a recipient of the Small Business Charter award that recognises institutions that support small business – Claire finished the course with the tools needed to make improvements to stabilise the business’s growth and streamline its offering.
The year before enrolling on the Help to Grow: Management Course, the business reported a turnover of £212,000 (Sep 2020 – Aug 2021). But since completing the course, turnover has increased by almost three quarters to £456,000 (Sep 2021 – Aug 2022). The MacMartin team has also grown from seven employees to a team of 12.
Claire MacDonald, design director of MacMartin, said: “We took away so much from the course but there were three key points that resulted in our success. First, we learned about the dangers of spending too much time in the business and not enough on the business. We’ve now got into a really good habit of setting aside time each week to have more strategic conversations and plan our future.
“The second big takeaway was around processes. Working in such a creative environment often means the structures are put in place last. We’ve worked hard since the Help to Grow: Management Course to put a framework in place that helps us standardise our quality while leaving room for creativity.
“The final takeaway, and a crucial one for us, was internal communications. Before the course, my sister and I would try and do everything. Now we’ve reassessed where we want to be and where our strengths lie so have redefined our roles and learnt to stay in our own lane.”
The Help to Grow: Management Course also includes peer-to-peer group work and one-to-one support from a mentor throughout the programme.
Claire added: “The groups were a safe space, and I was given the chance to learn different ways of thinking. I also learned that as an agency we don’t need to do it all. We can narrow our focus and do more of the work we love to do.
“I’d strongly recommend to anyone looking to grow their business to apply for the Help to Grow: Management Course. You get to have honest conversations with peers and learn from true experts. As a business, the relationships have also opened up a lot of doors for us.
“We’ve already spoken at local schools about staying safe on social media, delivered talks to Derbyshire University and the Derbyshire Festival of Business, and have plans to continue educating others across the region.”
MacMartin is now planning to launch a digital declutter campaign later this year to encourage businesses to evaluate and improve the carbon footprint of their digital activities.
Michael Hayman MBE, chair, Small Business Charter, said: “The Help to Grow: Management Course is an invaluable tool for SME business leaders looking to gain new skills that allow them to grow. From the experts on hand to give advice, to leaders that can enhance productivity, the course helps businesses overcome challenges, make attainable goals and become more resilient.
“I’m delighted to have observed MacMartin’s journey so far and look forward to seeing how the business continues to explore new opportunities in the future.”
Nuneaton firm gets £250k cash injection to fuel business growth
Hex Energy has received a £250,000 funding package from MEIF Maven Debt Finance, part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund backed by the British Business Bank following an introduction from the team at the Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub.
The funding will fuel business growth journey, contribute to key operational costs, create new roles, and finance the business’s strategic relocation.
Based in Nuneaton, Hex Energy designs and installs heat pumps for commercial and residential energy systems. The business was founded in 2015 by CEO Andy Howley, one of only three certified Geo-Exchange designers in the UK. Over the last five years, Hex Energy has installed and supported 75 Residential Energy systems and 20 Commercial systems.
Hex Energy has been experiencing a period of growth and the funding to fulfil its current demand and increase its capacity. The business has also committed to moving from its current Nuneaton site to a new facility, also based in Nuneaton. It has recently won two new commercial systems projects via SALIX Financing (Funding public sector de-carbonisation schemes) with Cheltenham & Gloucester Council and Calderdale Council.
Hex Energy has a focus on renewable energy, mainly through its ground source heat pumps, which absorb heat from the ground and circulate heat around properties through water, without using any fossil fuel. Its commitment to ESG is well aligned to the goals of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, which was set up to support smaller, high growth businesses across the region to encourage business, boost the local economy and contribute towards national social and environmental issues.
Martin Hadfield, Investment Manager for Maven, said: “This is a terrific opportunity for Maven and the MEIF to support the team at Hex Energy at this exciting time with us contributing to operational costs, increase in headcount, helping to finance the business’ strategic relocation and assisting them with working capital in this period of significant growth. We look forward to being a part of their journey in continuing to install quality heat pumps for commercial and residential energy use.’’
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2022 and the European Investment Bank.
Energy efficiency work wins award for Nottingham City Council
Nottingham City Council’s Energy Efficiency and Compliance Team won the Energy Consultancy of the Year award at the Regional Energy Efficiency Awards, which recognise best practice in schemes that reduce energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions.
In the past year, the team within the Environment and Sustainability Division, has carried out more than 3,300 energy assessments and advised on an estimated 32m kWh of energy saving opportunities to both commercial and domestic buildings.
The City Council was also Highly Commended in the Local Authority of the Year category. The recently completed vehicle-to-grid pilot at Eastcroft Depot is an example of the City Council’s work to find innovative solutions to challenges with energy usage. This project uses electric vehicles as short-term energy storage alongside two giant batteries, demonstrating how technology can be used to reduce energy demands that are associated with transitioning from traditional petrol or diesel vehicles to electric.
Wayne Bexton, Director of Environment and Sustainability at Nottingham City Council, said: “I’m thrilled that the Energy Efficiency and Compliance Team were recognised at these awards, the impact being made is truly remarkable and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team.”
All the work carried out by the Energy Efficiency and Compliance Team supports the city’s target to be the first carbon neutral city in the UK by 2028. Key to this ambition is reducing carbon emissions by ensuring that buildings in the city are efficient and powered by renewable technologies. Heating and powering domestic properties are among the largest contributors to Nottingham’s carbon footprint – producing an estimated 360,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
To support the City Council’s Greener HousiNG scheme, the Energy Efficiency and Compliance team carry out retrofit coordination, retrofit assessments and Energy Performance Certificates to ensure the improvements made to the homes are high quality and compliant with regulations.
Through Greener HousiNG, grant funding has been used to retrofit cold homes by installing measures such as insulation, heat pumps and solar panels. Since 2019, the City Council has upgraded more than 2,000 homes. Thanks to funding secured by the Midlands Net Zero Hub, further energy efficiency improvements will be delivered to hundreds of homes in the next two years.
Not only do these home retrofits contribute to the city’s carbon neutral ambition, but they also help residents to reduce their energy bills and improve their health and wellbeing.
The Energy Efficiency and Compliance Team also support businesses and public sector organisations to identify areas where they could save energy. For example, the team provide compliance reporting services through the Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme. Across 36 sites, the team identified potential savings of more than 3m kWh and 742 tonnes of carbon dioxide which will lead to financial savings of more than £1.4m when the energy efficiency recommendations are implemented.
Demolition of Wellingborough building to make way for new flats for older people
Greatwell Homes’ former Hearnden Court building containing 20 flats is due to be demolished and redeveloped into new homes for older people with support needs.
The new Hearnden Court, on Henshaw Road in Wellingborough, will include 57 one and two bedroom flats for older people with support needs, with 17 being available for Older Persons Shared Ownership.
Demolition of the building is due to start in June 2023 with the completion of the project anticipated for Summer 2025.
Jo Savage, Chief Executive at Greatwell Homes, said: “We’re happy to be working with Homes England on the redevelopment of Hearnden Court to provide much needed supported accommodation in Wellingborough.
“These new homes will be spacious and flexible so we can adapt to our customers individual needs and promote independence. They will be energy efficient with better insulation and low carbon heating reducing running costs and carbon emissions helping us towards becoming a net zero carbon business by 2050.
“We have been working closely with local residents and our customers who previously lived at Hearnden Court who will get the chance to move back if they wish when the works are completed.”
Greatwell Homes has been successful in its bid of £2.8 million of Homes England funding to go towards this £18 million project.
Bhups Gosal, Head of Provider Management at Homes England, said: “Despite the current challenges affecting the country, accelerating housebuilding remains our number one priority.
“We are committed to supporting Greatwell Homes that have ambitions to build new homes and our investment through the Affordable Housing Programme allows us to do that. We’re delighted that this funding will enable Greatwell Homes to deliver much needed new homes in Wellingborough.”
