£1.65m deal completed for Northampton manufacturing and distribution facility

Tess Egginton
-
0
£1.65m deal completed for Northampton manufacturing and distribution facility
Deeley Group has sealed a seven-figure deal to acquire a manufacturing and distribution facility in Northampton. The business has acquired the freehold of a 13,145 square foot industrial warehouse on Lodge Farm Industrial Estate in a deal worth £1.65 million. Unit 1 Barn Way will be retained in the company’s growing property investment portfolio and has been purchased from Oheka Services Ltd. The property is occupied by specialist moulding company Burnetts Manufacturing Limited – which provides solutions for rubber, plastic and silicone components. The business has a 15-year lease on the site until 2037. Eleanor Deeley, joint Managing Director of the Deeley Group, said: “This deal presented a great opportunity to enhance our commercial property stock and to continue to invest in our core locations across the Midlands. “The deal was completed in just two weeks which demonstrates our agility and fluidity as a business to take these opportunities, and we would like to thank the other parties involved for supporting what was a very smooth process. “Lodge Farm Industrial Estate is fully-let and that speaks to its already great location and boasts fantastic transport links, and these credentials will only be further strengthened by forthcoming infrastructure work nearby. “This a great addition to our investment portfolio and we are pleased to be further expanding our footprint in Northamptonshire.” Lodge Farm Industrial Estate is adjacent the to A428 Harlestone Road and benefits from excellent transport links to the A45 and M1. Tom Bromwich, partner at commercial property specialists Bromwich Hardy, acted for Deeley Group on the acquisition. He said: “We were delighted to be able to complete this acquisition so swiftly for our partners at the Deeley Group. This is an excellent investment for the group, sitting in a superb location and with an excellent tenant. Its potential for the future – particularly in light of the planned infrastructure work – make this an outstanding deal in every respect.” Cherry Elliott and Darrell Aldridge, of Higgs LLP, completed the legals on the deal. TDB Real Estate acted on behalf of the vendor.

Automotive supplier makes seven-figure investment in Nottingham manufacturing facility

Tess Egginton
-
0
Automotive supplier makes seven-figure investment in Nottingham manufacturing facility
Vestatec UK, a specialist in metal forming and assembly, has made a seven-figure investment to improve its manufacturing facility in Nottingham. The Colwick-based business, and supplier to some of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, has invested almost £2 million to expand the 20,000 sq ft facility and enhance its global service offering. Mike Bylina, Managing Director at Vestatec, said: “This is a truly exciting development in Vestatec’s ambitious growth plans as we continue to be a leading Tier 1 supplier to the global automotive supply chain. “Our Nottingham-based site is a hub for creating bespoke interior trim for some of the most prestigious brands in the world, which is a true testament to the city’s legacy in UK manufacturing.” Vestatec is one of the only manufacturers in the UK to specialise in highly complex metal forming, etching and assembly, creating precision components to meet the requirements of high performance and aesthetic applications. Part of its seven-figure investment includes the development of its new Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) coating facility and the company’s first robotic system to offer more affordable and flexible services for both new and existing customers. Mike continued: “In recent years, we have invested heavily in the right people, tools and equipment to elevate our capabilities. “We believe that this next stage will help to cement Vestatec’s position within the automotive industry, while broadening our service offering to support a variety of other sectors. “By developing our factory, we are able to expand our capabilities and bring a core service in-house, removing the need for support from additional suppliers and taking another step out of the logistical process for our customers. The additional equipment will also allow us to speed up production and reduce costs for our customers. “Our next steps are to invest in the future and continue on our mission to ensure Vestatec is the partner of choice for metal forming and specialist coatings across the globe.”

Nottinghamshire student accommodation refurbishment project shortlisted for energy efficiency award

Tess Egginton
-
0
Nottinghamshire student accommodation refurbishment project shortlisted for energy efficiency award

A major refurbishment project being undertaken by Clegg Construction in partnership with the University of Nottingham has been shortlisted for an East Midlands Energy Efficiency Award.

The £10.2m scheme, which comprises the sustainable refurbishment of the University’s historic Florence Boot Hall building to provide students with accessible, comfortable and modern student accommodation, has been announced as a finalist in the Large-Scale Project of the Year category, which recognises schemes over £250,000 in value that will deliver considerable energy savings.

A raft of energy efficiency measures has been implemented to help improve the thermal and low carbon efficiency within the 1920s-constructed building via a fabric-first approach. These include air-source heat pumps to replace gas-fired systems, a Building Management System, upgrades to roof insulation, as well as LED lighting throughout.

In addition, over 380 new triple-glazed windows (which are in keeping with the surrounding historical aesthetic) on the University Park campus replace PVC units installed circa 20 years ago.

The project is targeted and forecast to achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’, and has been overseen by Chris Jamison, senior site manager at Clegg Construction, who is a BREAAM-Accredited Person and whose extensive knowledge and experience delivering schemes to BREEAM standards has been instrumental in the delivery of the project.

In testament to the many energy-efficient technologies and measures installed throughout the building, its Energy Performance Asset Rating is forecast to increase significantly from E to B. It is estimated that the fabric-first approach to decarbonising the building equates to a reduction of 380 tonnes of CO2 per year. This aligns with the University of Nottingham’s carbon management plan (to be net zero by 2040 with an interim target for 2030), with Clegg’s own sustainability agenda, as well as the UK’s pledge to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Throughout the duration of the project, which is due to complete in summer 2023 for the new intake of students, Clegg enjoyed a considerable degree of engagement with the local and wider community in a wide range of areas, including hiring a 16-year-old school leaver on a four-month placement as a trainee site manager, the use of local subcontractors and suppliers, as well as hosting visits from architecture, engineering and business management students, plus descendants of the Boot family.

The hall of residence was the first female hall at the University and was founded by businesswoman and philanthropist, Florence Boot, wife of Boots the Chemist founder Jesse Boot.

The scheme has also seen Clegg and the University of Nottingham closely working together to protect the natural environment through tree protection orders, the retention of existing hedges and planting, and the careful relocation and preservation of Pipistrelle and Whiskered bats.

Other members of the project team include Maber architects and Couch Perry Wilkes consultants.

Now in their tenth year, the Energy Efficiency Awards aim to provide public recognition for the excellent work the energy efficiency sector is doing in undertaking energy efficiency schemes that help cut carbon emissions and reduce fuel poverty, and to help encourage best practice within the energy industry as it works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are held on a regional and national basis each year.

The awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd May at the Radisson Blu East Midlands Airport Hotel.

Simon Blackburn, Managing Director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg is pleased to be delivering this important project for the University of Nottingham. Florence Boot Hall marks the latest in a long line of high-quality schemes that Clegg has managed on behalf of the University during our partnership of over 20 years.”

Belper school extension reaches completion

Tess Egginton
-
0
Belper school extension reaches completion
Derby-based project managers, construction cost consultants and building surveyors Armsons Barlow have completed work on the extension and refurbishment of Belper School and Sixth Form Centre. Work on the project included the construction of a first-floor extension over the existing sixth form centre and alterations to the ground floor space to provide additional teaching facilities for the school. The new extension will provide a range of new high quality teaching facilities for staff and students. A second storey has been added to the original sixth form centre, with the installation of a new steel frame along with new foundations, structural alterations, new roofing and flooring, new windows and the installation of timber rainscreen cladding. The ground floor layout has also been altered. Armsons Barlow worked alongside Derby-based architects YMD Boon, structural engineers Jackson Purdue Lever, mechanical and electrical engineers DGMEP Services and contractors Kingfisher Construction on the project. Belper School is the main secondary school in the Belper area and caters for more than 1,200 students. The additional space will enable it to open its doors to more students. Commenting on the completion of the project, Sally Walters, director of Armsons Barlow, said: “The addition of a second storey to the building will create more high-quality teaching and recreational space for staff and students. “We’re pleased to see construction work on Belper School & Sixth Form Centre completed. Thanks go out to our colleagues at YMD Boon, Jackson Purdue Lever, DGMEP and Kingfisher Construction for helping to create such a fantastic addition to the school.”

WBR Group strengthens WBR Tax with tax director and tax manager appointments

Tess Egginton
-
0
WBR Group strengthens WBR Tax with tax director and tax manager appointments

Leicester-based WBR Group (WBR), the independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has appointed Tom Lodge to the position of tax director and Akshay Vaghela as tax manager.

Tom will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the WBR Tax function, with 11 people reporting to him, making it one of the largest tax teams in Leicester and the Midlands. He will be a member of the Executive Board, headed by David Downie and will also report to the main board on all tax related matters.

Tom joined WBR Group in 2019 and has over 10 years’ experience in the tax sector. He started his career within Grant Thornton’s tax compliance unit where he qualified as a tax technician before transferring to their private client and entrepreneur advisory team in Birmingham where he qualified as a chartered tax adviser.

Tom has advised on a wide variety of tax planning opportunities. However, his main focus is corporate reconstructions and sales where he applies his technical understanding, and research skills, to identify creative solutions and tackle any tax risks.

Akshay joined WBR Group in 2021 as a senior associate with a particular specialisation in restructuring. He joined the firm from Wilson Wright where he was a tax supervisor.

Tom Moore, CEO, WBR Group, said: “We are delighted to appoint Tom to the newly created role of tax director and Akshay to the role of tax manager. Tom has been with the business for 4 years and has been an invaluable member of the team, with a strong appreciation for technical detail, taking a keen interest in case law and future developments of tax policy.

“With his deep understanding of the legislation and wider concepts he is able to advise on complex situations. His extensive experience and knowledge of the tax landscape will be invaluable as we continue to grow WBR Tax. The promotion of Tom and Akshay further strengthens our tax team and demonstrates our commitment to providing our clients and professional connections with the highest level of expertise and service.”

Tom Lodge said: “I am honoured and thrilled to take on the role of tax director at WBR Group. I look forward to leading our talented team and providing our clients with innovative and effective tax solutions. I am excited to be part of the executive board and to contribute to the continued success of WBR Group.”

“Positive” first quarter for Breedon

Tess Egginton
-
0
“Positive” first quarter for Breedon
Trading during the first quarter of 2023 has been “positive” for Breedon, the construction materials group, according to a new trading update ahead of the business’s Annual General Meeting. The Derbyshire-headquartered company highlighted encouraging levels of enquiries, while revenue during the first quarter was 10% ahead of the same period last year, or 7% on a like-for-like basis. Breedon noted that it thus continues to trade in line with expectations. Rob Wood, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our performance in the first quarter demonstrates the resilience and flexibility of our team and business model. Our teams have stayed close to their customers and we continue to manage our cost base prudently, enabling us to grow revenue while fully recovering input cost increases. Longer term, our end market exposure remains underpinned by structural growth dynamics. “Our vertically-integrated, local operating model enables us to respond nimbly to market conditions and, whilst the economic backdrop remains uncertain, we are encouraged by our trading performance to date. As such, we expect to deliver results in line with the Board’s current expectations.”

Building Better Opportunities scheme helps almost 9,000 economically inactive people to find work or training

Tess Egginton
-
0
Building Better Opportunities scheme helps almost 9,000 economically inactive people to find work or training
An innovative programme that connects local authorities, businesses and other key agencies with the aim of tackling long-term unemployment has supported 8,908 economically inactive people across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The D2N2 Building Better Opportunities (BBO) scheme, which comprises three distinctive projects promoting social inclusion, has helped 1,102 of these individuals to progress into employment, assisted 864 into long-term education or training, and enabled 492 people to independently search for jobs. Funded by the European Social Fund and National Lottery Community Fund, BBO – which ended last month after six years – has been led by a consortium of voluntary and community organisations across the country. In the D2N2 region, four stakeholder managers were employed or seconded to East Midlands Chamber and hosted within the four upper-tier councils, with a remit to co-ordinate the £31m programme across the wider employment and skills landscape. The Chamber has also played a central role in connecting individuals with employers, and promoting an inclusive recruitment agenda among businesses that have skills gaps. East Midlands Chamber’s head of employment services Paul Needham said: “It’s fantastic to be able to reflect on the tremendous work of the BBO programme in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, where the lives of many people have been transformed because of the support it has offered them. “Our stakeholder managers have been remarkable additions to the employment and skills landscape in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire over the past five years, generating new person-centric ideas and influencing system change in how we tackle the issue of long-term unemployment. “At the Chamber, we have been keen to promote the inclusive recruitment agenda among the business community. With our members telling us about the skills shortages that are consistently holding them back from growing, expanding the labour pool to encompass people from a wide range of backgrounds can bear fruit by filling vacancies with employees who have received support to address barriers to work and turn their lives around.” The three employment and skills projects are: · Opportunity and Change: A £9.8m support programme led by Framework for people with multiple and complex needs, such as homelessness, substance abuse, at risk of offending, mental ill health and domestic abuse victims · Towards Work: Led by Groundwork Greater Nottingham, the £14.6m scheme provides a personalised service to help people overcome barriers to work and take their first steps towards employment · Money Sorted in D2N2: Led by St Ann’s Advice Centre, the £6m project helps people experiencing financial difficulties to feel more in control of their finances. Examples of the methods used to support people into work and training have ranged from funding for buying computer equipment in order to study for qualifications through to paying for dental treatment to address poor oral health that had been a personal barrier to work for someone lacking in confidence. Projects have also helped people who are homeless or ex-offenders into work. In addition, the BBO programme has helped participants to wipe out more than £10m in debt and, on average, grew participants’ weekly disposable income from £18.62 to £92.17 over a six-month period through personal finance education. Paul added: “These projects have provided us with many learnings, which we will take forward in our other workstreams within the Chamber’s employment support programmes, in which we work in collaboration with Government and work agencies to give people a helping hand into sustainable work and training.”

Press for Attention PR backs Responsible Business of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023

Tess Egginton
-
0
Press for Attention PR backs Responsible Business of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Press for Attention PR has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, backing the Responsible Business category for a further year. Speaking with Business Link, Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, 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.” 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: Nominations end Thursday 31 August. Find out who last year’s winners were here.

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:

Transformation of Derby’s historic Friar Gate Goods Yard site takes step forward

Tess Egginton
-
0
Transformation of Derby’s historic Friar Gate Goods Yard site takes step forward

The landowner for the historic Friar Gate Goods Yard in central Derby has selected Wavensmere Homes to collaboratively bring forward development proposals for the derelict 11.5-acre (4.96Ha) site, which includes two landmark Grade II listed buildings.

The site has been in the ownership of the Clowes family for 40 years, with a number of options for redevelopment proposed but not progressed, due to heritage considerations and commercial viability.

The site, which is accessed off Uttoxeter New Road, is now set to be transformed into around 275 homes, plus a significant element of mixed-use commercial space, which will bring about the restoration of the Grade II listed Bonded Warehouse and Engine House. A planning application is currently being prepared, in consultation with Derby City Council and a range of stakeholders.

Thomas Clowes, director of Derbyshire-based Clowes Developments, said: “We are very pleased to be working with a highly innovative developer, who not only has a reputation for restoring heritage assets and revitalising previously used land, but already has a strong legacy of success here in Derby.

“Birmingham-headquartered Wavensmere Homes has become one of this city’s most prominent residential developers, with the £170m multi-award-winning Nightingale Quarter becoming one of the finest regeneration and restoration assets in the region.

“The Wavensmere team had the vision to transform the former Derby Royal Infirmary on London Road – which had laid derelict for a decade – into the vibrant new community it is today. The public, the Council, and all stakeholders can be reassured that the team will be applying the same collaborative approach and huge investment injection to Friar Gate Goods Yard.

“We would like to mention Cawarden, the specialist contractor, who orchestrated the recent stabilisation works to the listed structures, as well as other site preparation, to allow ourselves and Wavensmere Homes to finally bring the site forward.”

Glancy Nicholls Architects has been appointed to design the mixed-use scheme, which will reflect the significant opportunity for exemplary placemaking. The latest green energy features will be incorporated into the design for the new homes and commercial space, to enable the highest EPC rating of A to be targeted. The proposed development would also be compliant with the new Part L building regulations.

James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Clowes Developments to reanimate this landmark, centrally located site.

“The design proposals that we are currently working up are ground-breaking and provide solutions for bringing the two badly fire-damaged 150-year-old listed buildings within the Goods Yard back into use. A key marker of success will be introducing innovative energy saving technology that keeps the future running costs to occupiers to a minimum.

“We hope that the people of Derby will once again get behind the collaborative efforts being made to create something truly special here. It is vital that Friar Gate’s two important heritage assets are finally removed from English Heritage’s ‘at risk’ register.”

The proposed development site sits just outside the Friar Gate Conservation Area, which features notable Georgian townhouses with high-quality brickwork and fine architectural detailing. The Friar Gate Goods Yard was intended as the main goods depot for the Great Northern Railway line, to handle coal, livestock, timber, and metals. Designed in 1870, and entering operation in 1878, the Bonded Warehouse building contained extensive warehouse space and offices. It was used as a store for the American Army in WWII to house ammunition and other supplies.

The Engine House was also built for the Railway by Kirk & Randall of Sleaford. It is Italianate in style and built from Welsh slate roofs. The Engine House supplied power to the hydraulic lifts and capstans at the Bonded Warehouse. The site first became derelict in 1967, and over time became overgrown and fell into a poor state of repair. An arson attack took place at the Goods Yard in 2020, which exposed the whole inner steel structure of the two historic buildings.

The collaborative development agreement was brokered by Russell Rigby of Derby-based property agents Rigby and Co.

Joules relaunch accelerated but further jobs at risk

Tess Egginton
-
0
Joules relaunch accelerated but further jobs at risk
Following NEXT and Tom Joule’s acquisition of Market Harborough-based Joules out of administration in December, the relaunch of the lifestyle group has been accelerated – but jobs may be at risk. Moving to a new digital platform, the originally proposed launch date was March 2024, but “significant progress in reducing the lead times for the delivery of TOTAL PLATFORM (TP)” now means Joules can launch its TP site much earlier than expected, with a launch date now planned for October 2023. The TOTAL PLATFORM focusses on providing website, warehousing, distribution, contact centre, online advertising and retail services, with a significantly wider scope of planned services for Joules, including NEXT product systems, finance, payments and accounting systems, and HR systems. While the transition to the TOTAL PLATFORM is intended to deliver material cost savings to Joules, with the decision to deliver much broader services to the business, significantly greater savings are anticipated. However, as a result of these changes, a number of tasks performed by Joules personnel will be absorbed into NEXT teams or no longer be needed. How many jobs are affected is not clear. NEXT says: “Where roles are no longer required, NEXT will be working with those affected to ensure that they are considered for any suitable vacancies at NEXT, whose Head Office is located close to Joules’ headquarters in Market Harborough. It is anticipated that those remaining with Joules (i.e. the Senior management, Product and Marketing teams) will continue to work from Joules’ existing offices.”
1...540541542...993Page 541 of 993