Three Leicestershire building societies unite to tackle cost of living crises and support local communities
Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, Market Harborough Building Society and Melton Building Society, have joined forces to support local community projects across Leicestershire.
The partnership aims to help the local community by working with different charities and organisations, donating money, and facilitating assistance and advice to those in need.
This year, the three building societies have chosen to support The Bridge East Midlands, a charity that provides accommodation and support services to homeless people in Leicestershire.
The Building Societies have each donated £15,000 to The Bridge East Midlands to fund the hiring of a Housing Adviser who will offer advice and guidance to anyone that needs it. The Housing Adviser will be easily accessible to the community being based on the high streets of all three Building Society towns.
The partnership between the Building Societies represents a shared goal to help get people on to the housing ladder and achieve their dream homes, but in this case, they are coming together to support those who are worried about the ability to pay their mortgage or are experiencing difficulties due to changed circumstances or the cost-of-living crises. The service will be free to access for all.
The three Societies said: “We are delighted to be partnering to support The Bridge East Midlands. We believe that the work they do is important in providing support and accommodation to homeless people in Leicestershire. We hope that our donation and the expertise of the newly appointed Housing Adviser will make a real difference in the lives of those who need it the most.”
Anna Maudsley from The Bridge East Midlands says: “We are delighted to have received this significant funding as it enables us to increase our service by another three days a week across the county for this year, offering specialist advice, information and guidance to prevent homelessness and supporting our mission to develop sustainable housing solutions for individuals and communities through partnership, empowerment and good practice which is an increasing priority during this cost of living crisis.”
Kitchen manufacturer, Interiors by Design has tools for growth
A significant investment in machinery and support from the Business Gateway Growth Hub is helping kitchen and bedroom manufacturer, Interiors by Design fight back in difficult trading conditions. The independent, Wigston-based company is taking advantage of support available to build resilience and grow, despite rising rents, rates and all other costs.
Interiors by Design is led by directors Mohammed Essajee and Simon Colebourne. They first met when Simon and his dad Neil, who were kitchen fitters for MFI, would come in for supplies from Mohammed’s family DIY shop. When MFI closed, they approached Mohammed to set up a kitchen design and installation business at his prime high-street location. Though it started small, with a tiny showroom above the DIY shop, Interiors by Design has since expanded into the premises next door. They’ve also gone from a small workshop in Carlisle Street in Leicester to a bigger space in South Wigston with new machinery.
Today they design, manufacture and install kitchens and bedrooms as well as supply to other showrooms, fitters and house builders, giving them both retail and trade business.
Mohammed said: “Things were ticking along but we got to the stage in 2020 when we said we needed to go for it. But everything at the workshop was being done by hand. It was restricting our growth and limiting capacity.”
Mohammed got back in touch with the Business Gateway who had supported him in the past.
“I spoke to Business Adviser Joanna Moore about grants and at the time there was a growth grant* available. With Jo’s help, we were successfully awarded £25,000 towards the purchase of a vertical CNC machine and an edge bander. Our total investment was over £90,000.
“The new machinery is more accurate; we’re saving time and it has improved efficiency.
“Whereas in the past we’d complete one or two kitchens a week, now we can do four or five, probably more. It’s a matter of generating more business now. Jo’s also helping with a three-year plan and has put us in touch with high growth specialist, Stuart Ross to take us to the next level.”
Staff numbers have gone from three to seven, including Mohammed’s wife Tasneem who oversees social media marketing. The business is looking to take on another person for the workshop and a site manager.
Like many small businesses right now, Mohammed and the team have been focusing on where they are, what they are selling and buying and checking their margins are right. They also face competition from larger firms that can offer interest-free finance. However, Mohammed is optimistic about the future. “From the design stage to manufacturing to installation we have control along the whole process. Not many independent businesses manufacture as we do.
“I’ve been given all the additional tools I need by the Business Gateway. It’s not just the grant, it’s the courses, the advice, the peer2peer sessions. Having these guys on board saying you’ve done this, but you could have done this, or you should be doing this… it’s been a like breath of fresh air.”
Joanna Moore added: “Despite current economic challenges Interiors by Design has ambitions to keep growing. They are a great example of a business that has taken advantage of the Business Gateway by using our services as and when needed. We’ve worked together on the financial side including cash flow forecasting, particularly important right now.”
For a free and impartial business review from the Business Gateway call 0116 366 8487, complete an enquiry form at www.bizgateway.org.uk or email growthhub@bizgateway.org.uk
The Business Gateway Growth Hub service is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by a partnership that includes Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Limited (LLEP).
*This grant has now been fully allocated and is closed for applications.
Derby firm secures two King’s Awards for Enterprise for its lateral flow test work
Diagnostic tests manufacturer SureScreen Digital has won two King’s Awards for Enterprise.
The Derby-based company, which makes and exports millions of lateral flow tests, was recognised in the Innovation and International Trade categories.
Its expertise came to the fore at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, after it developed antigen lateral flow tests, which were the first European tests to pass the strict validation process in the laboratory by Public Health England.
As a result, they became a vital part of the UK Government’s rapid testing programme and were also exported to help other countries tackle the pandemic overseas.
Director David Campbell said: “We are incredibly proud to have been announced as double King’s Awards winners in recognition of what continues to be a huge company-wide effort to develop and manufacture lateral flow tests that help save lives both in the UK and in countries around the world.
“It is a wonderful testament to the hard work across the whole team, and what makes this fitting is that our company has been built on scientific innovation and has always exported a significant volume of our products, so these awards reflect the ethos of SureScreen Diagnostics from the very beginning.”
Founded in Derby in 1996, SureScreen has been making lateral flow tests for more than 25 years and recent developments include rapid tests for flu, Covid, Strep A and M-Pox.
It also makes tests for other applications, including drug and alcohol detection and fertility screening.
Mr Campbell said: “Our work during the pandemic has built a strong platform for our company which promises to help millions of people by giving them the ability to take control of their health and diagnose issues early through fast and reliable testing at home or in clinical settings. Reducing waiting times for diagnoses is at the heart of improving healthcare.
“Whether it be workplace testing for drugs and alcohol, home wellness screening or infectious disease testing at the GP, we will be ready to help catch issues early and help prevent them before they arise.”
Lincoln-based chartered surveyors snapped up
Begbies Traynor Group, the business recovery, financial advisory and property services consultancy, has acquired BLC No1 Limited, which trades as Banks Long & Co, for a maximum consideration of £3m.
Banks Long & Co is a firm of chartered surveyors employing 38 staff in Lincoln and operating throughout Lincolnshire and Humberside. The business will integrate with Eddisons, the group’s property division.
The Banks Long & Co team provide commercial property agency, property management, building consultancy and valuation services to a wide range of regional clients including public and private sector organisations, which aligns with the group’s current service offering and strengthens its regional presence across Eastern England and South Yorkshire.
In its financial year ended 31 August 2022, Banks Long & Co generated revenue of £2.6m (unaudited) and normalised pre-tax profits of £0.4m (when reported on the same basis as the group). Trading is projected to at least maintain this level in the current financial year to date. It had net assets of £2.1m (including £1.4m cash) as at 31 August 2022.
Anthony Spencer, director at Eddisons, said: “I am very pleased to welcome the Banks Long & Co team to Eddisons, which extends our footprint into Lincolnshire and enhances our existing presence in Eastern England and South Yorkshire.
“The Banks Long & Co team are highly experienced with a proven track record in delivering high quality professional advice to public and private sector clients. We continue to seek further opportunities for expansion across the UK.”
Ric Traynor, executive chairman of Begbies Traynor Group plc, said: “The acquisition of Banks Long & Co is in line with our strategy to develop our property advisory and transactional services division, by increasing both its scale and market position, as well as the scope of its service offering and geographical coverage.
“Banks Long & Co has excellent relationships within its local market place offering its clients a broad range of real estate services which they have developed over many years and we are very much looking forward to working with them.”
Sterling Commercial Finance “delighted” to support the East Midlands Bricks Awards for fifth year in a row
Sterling Commercial Finance has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, backing the Residential Development of the Year category.
Speaking with Business Link, Nic Rotton of Sterling Commercial Finance said: “At Sterling Commercial Finance, we are delighted to continue our support as sponsor for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023.
“As property finance specialists, it is fascinating for us to see the wide-ranging developments taking place across the region with design, functionality and sustainability at their heart.
“We are proud to continue our affiliation with the Residential Development of the Year category for the fifth year and we look forward to celebrating with everyone later in the year.”
The awards, which will take place on Thursday 28 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
To be held at:
“We are proud to continue our affiliation with the Residential Development of the Year category for the fifth year and we look forward to celebrating with everyone later in the year.”
The awards, which will take place on Thursday 28 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of our awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – 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 County Cricket Club 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:
Hegarty Solicitors makes raft of promotions
Hegarty Solicitors has made a raft of promotions across the firm, seeing Martin Banwell and Will Stokes become partners.
Martin qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and joined Hegarty Solicitors in 2018 working in the wills, trusts and probate department. Martin specialises in tax and estate planning and the administration of estates, as well as preparing, acting on, and contesting wills as well as being a member of numerous groups including Solicitors for the Elderly, Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners, and the Law Society’s Private Client section.
Martin said: “I am pleased to have been promoted to partner and I look forward to continuing to work within an excellent team here at Hegarty.”
Will works in the commercial property team and has an extensive experience across a wide range of commercial property matters after qualifying as a solicitor in 2005. Will joined Hegarty Solicitors in 2020 and in the same year was recognised as a “rising star” in the Legal 500. He works on all aspects of commercial property law including acquisitions, landlord and tenant matters, overage agreements, refinancing of property portfolios, and conditional sale contracts.
Senior partner Kally Singh said: “It is great to have Martin and Will on board as new partners of the firm and we look forward to seeing them contribute to the growth and success of Hegarty Solicitors in the years to come.”
Hegarty Solicitors has also promoted three to associate – Pavinder Khela, Natasha Downing, and Emma Carter.
Pavinder joined the family department at Hegarty Solicitors in 2016 after working in London from 2003. Pavinder’s expertise in family law includes advising clients on prenuptial agreements, separation agreements, divorce, all financial matters, and pension sharing and all aspects of private children disputes including living arrangements, contact disputes involving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and unrelated parties.
Natasha worked for Paul Browne Solicitors in 2010 (which merged with Hegarty Solicitors in 2015) after studying law at De Montfort University in Leicester. Natasha then completed the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives course and qualified as a graduate member in 2008. She is a specialist in new build and help to buy schemes.
Emma qualified in 1999 and joined Hegarty Solicitors in 2010 where she first began working in the employment law department before moving to wills, trusts, and probate in 2014. Emma now specialises in private client services such as wills, powers of attorney, probate application and administration of estates and trusts together with Court of Protection applications.
Emma said: “I’m looking forward to continuing my work as part of the team and am currently looking forward to my move to our Stamford office come May.”
Meanwhile, family lawyer and head of the Family Law department, Chris Brown will become Hegarty Solicitors’ first senior associate.
Chris said: “I am grateful to the partners for this recognition of my hard work and the opportunity to progress within the firm.”
Chris joined Hegarty Solicitors in 2012 after qualifying as a solicitor in 2009. He is an expert in advising clients about the division of assets and financial implications of a divorce. Chris is a member of Resolution and holds their Accreditation as a Specialist Lawyer in Complex Financial Remedies and has held that accreditation since 2015. His experience working in the Family Courts also gives him the knowledge to advise clients on the likely outcome if their case does not settle, often helping clients to avoid contested Court proceedings.
Kally Singh said: “At Hegarty Solicitors we are committed to developing our staff and supporting them in their personal growth. These promotions demonstrate the expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm of our team and we would like to congratulate Martin, Will, Pavinder, Natasha, Emma, and Chris on their much-deserved promotions.”
Engage & Grow Central Midlands co-founder named number one coach worldwide
Co-founder of Engage & Grow Central Midlands, Rachael Bull, has recently been announced as the world’s number one Engage & Grow Global coach.
Engage & Grow is a global brand on a mission to re-engage and re-energise workforces across the world.
Their bespoke group coaching programmes and workshops create significant change for businesses in every field, industry and size, turning underperforming staff into fully engaged employees that become the driving force behind their company’s growth and success.
Since launching Engage & Grow Central Midlands last summer, Rachael and her brother, UK business coach Matt Bull, have built up a portfolio of clients and they’re looking to expand the company’s services across the construction and life sciences sectors.
To meet its growing client base’s needs, the company has bolstered its support to include people auditing, employee experience strategy, strategic narrative and communications, alongside their Engage & Grow group programmes.
Rachael said: “When we started Engage and Grow Central Midlands last May, three months after I had my son, I found out about the monthly tally board of top 5 global coaches and knew I wanted to achieve that one day. I never thought that it would happen within a year of setting up the business!
“What we do is having a big impact on businesses’ success and it’s never been a more important time for companies to focus on their people. They’re the driving force behind every organisation and nothing will work well unless they do.
“One common issue that business owners are facing is retaining their employees, so they’re having to recruit to replace rather than recruit due to growth. With recruiters headhunting more now than ever, it’s time for businesses to up their game and prioritise creating an exceptional employee experience so they have a happy, high-performing, highly engaged workforce who love what they do and are brilliant at it. That’s exactly what we do. So, if you’re serious about your people, we want to help.”
Next’s first quarter sales fall by less than expected
First quarter sales have fallen at Next, though by less than expected, according to a new trading statement for the thirteen weeks to 29 April.
Full price sales were down 0.7% against last year, moderately ahead of Next’s guidance which was to be down 2%.
The retailer’s full year guidance is however unchanged, with profit before tax of £795m still expected, decreasing 8.7% on last year. Next said: “Although our first quarter performance moderately exceeded our sales guidance, we believe it is too early in the year to alter our overall sales expectations for either the half or full year.”
Charlie Huggins, manager of the ‘Quality Shares Portfolio’ at Wealth Club, said: “This is another solid update from the bellwether of the UK High Street. Sales have fallen by less than expected, and although Next hasn’t increased its full year guidance, this seems to be borne more out of prudence than anything else.
“The current retail environment is sorting the wheat from the chaff. On the one hand you have the likes of Superdry, Boohoo and Asos which are really struggling, not to mention countless other retailers that have gone bankrupt. At the other end of the spectrum are the likes of Next and Primark, which appear to be getting stronger.
“Next’s strength is allowing it to snap up weaker rival’s brands (like Made.com) at knock-down prices and plug them into its online distribution network. By offering these brands, Next expands choice for customers and gives them even more reasons to keep coming back.
“Overall, Next is doing everything investors could ask of it in a difficult retail environment. Economic pressures could yet worsen as higher interest rates really start to bite. But that won’t worry Next too much. It looks to be in a much stronger position than rivals to weather any storm.”
Sportpark scores in world-leading energy efficiency assessment
The £9m extension of Sportpark in Loughborough has been awarded Passivhaus status – one of the world’s most challenging energy efficiency and comfort standards in the world.
It means SportPark’s new Pavilion 4 will provide sports organisations with environmentally future-proof accommodation in a building with triple-glazed windows, an enhanced thermal efficient airtight building fabric, external solar shading, and a highly efficient heat and ventilation system under a roof covered with solar panels to further reduce its energy demand.
The extension was delivered by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership as part of the Getting Building Fund. Funds were designated for investment in local, shovel-ready infrastructure projects to stimulate jobs and support economic recovery across the country.
The LLEP was allocated £20m, supporting the SportPark expansion with £6m. Further funding support has been provided by Loughborough Town Deal.
Andy Reed, LLEP Co-Chair, said: “Sustainability is a pillar of our economic growth strategy and, in funding SportPark Pavilion 4, we enabled development of a superb building at the highest standards of energy efficiency.
“The project has also supported more than 400 jobs within the construction phase alone, brought additional sports-related organisations to our region, and created a living lab for local architecture students with an interest in sustainable building design.”
Newly opened MKM branch pledges long term support for local charity
The UK’s largest independent builder’s merchant invited the founder of A Child Of Mine, a local Stafford-based charity, to mark the branch officially opening its doors to the trade and public.
To highlight MKM’s commitment to the local community, the branch has pledged its ongoing support to A Child Of Mine with an initial donation of £1000 – which was very swiftly followed by an additional £300 raised through a raffle organised by the MKM Stafford team.
Ryan Hitchin, branch director at MKM Stafford, said: “As a local, independent business, we are extremely passionate about our local community; that’s why we are delighted to celebrate the official opening of our new branch by announcing this partnership with A Child of Mine.”
Gayle Routlegde, founder of A Child Of Mine, said: “I am so incredibly grateful to MKM Stafford for choosing us as its charity partner. A Child Of Mine is a small charity – in fact, full time it’s just me, and we have one part time helper – so the support of a local business like MKM Stafford really does mean the world to us.
“At A Child Of Mine, we support bereaved parents and their families by providing accurate, practical information, working to improve professional bereavement services, and delivering direct services to families who have lost a child, including financial assistance. Our ultimate goal is to connect families who have had this experience, offering support and letting them know they are not alone.”
Ryan Brammer, branch director at MKM Stafford, added: “This partnership isn’t a one hit wonder for us, we really want to support Gayle in her mission at A Child of Mine however we can. All of our newly formed team, bar one, are parents, so it’s a matter close to all of our hearts.
“Our ongoing support will include providing materials for in-person events for the charity, raising awareness of their fantastic work through our own social media channels, and donating stock where appropriate. At MKM Stafford we’re here to support A Child of Mine for as long as they want us too.”
Open to both the trade and general public, MKM Stafford is a purpose built, state-of-the-art builder’s merchant that is conveniently located on Stone Road, just a short drive from the town centre, and five minutes from the nearby Tollgate Industrial Estate.
Creating 20 new jobs in the area, the branch provides an extensive range of building materials, plumbing and heating, timber, landscaping, joinery and more. The branch also boasts a stunning kitchen and bathroom showroom and outdoor landscaping display, which showcases all the latest designs, colours and trends.
Ryan Hitchin, MKM Stafford’s branch director, concluded: “We might be a new independent business, but we have a highly experienced and skilled team on-hand to help our customers every step of the way, no matter what project they are working on.
“The people we have selected for our newly formed team are truly the best of the best – not only are they fantastic at what they do, but they all share a common goal with us; making MKM Stafford a great place to work.
“Our aim and commitment is to provide outstanding levels of customer service in a welcoming, friendly and fun environment. In addition to our extensive product offering, we also offer a range of first-class services, from free same day or next day delivery, to free kitchen and bathroom design services.”
Both hailing from the Staffordshire area, and with almost 40 years of industry experience between them, both Ryan Hitchin and Ryan Brammer are ideally suited to take on the task of helming the new MKM Stafford branch. They are both excited by the challenge, and relish the opportunity of running their own business with MKM.
