Law firm makes raft of promotions

Tess Egginton
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Law firm makes raft of promotions

Rotheras LLP has made six promotions at its Nottingham office.

Natalie Abbott (employment) joined Rotheras in 2020 before being promoted to senior associate in 2021. Having been tasked with setting up the employment law department, and having driven this forward successfully, she has now been promoted to partner.

Lucy Pettitt (conveyancing), James Briggs (private client), Sarah Soo (private client) and Grant Benskin (dispute resolution) have all been promoted to senior associate, and Rebecca Lister who began as a trainee at the firm and qualified into the child care department, has been promoted to associate.

The promotions will take effect from 1 June and bring the total number of partners and senior associates across its Nottingham and Derby offices to 30.

Rotheras CEO Christina Yardley said: “This year’s cohort of promotions are incredibly talented individuals that reinforce the strength and depth of our legal services.

“Natalie Abbott has supported us in our goal of expanding our service areas to ensure that we deliver on our firm values of excellence for clients, looking after their needs through a diverse service offering with exceptional client care driving everything we do.

“I am delighted for our associate and senior associate promotions to be making headway in their careers with Rotheras, we invest heavily in nurturing talent and creating a culture that fosters career progression. I wish all of our newly promoted staff a very long and successful career with Rotheras.”

Modular housebuilder secures £70m investment

Tess Egginton
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Modular housebuilder secures £70m investment
TopHat, the modular house builder, has raised £70 million from new and existing shareholders as the company draws closer to opening Europe’s largest modular housing factory, from which it will manufacture up to 4,000 ultra low-carbon homes a year. In a major show of confidence in TopHat and the UK’s fast-growing modular housing sector, FTSE-100 housebuilder Persimmon and institutional investor Aviva, through its Aviva Capital Partners unit, have each made a substantial investment in the company. Existing shareholders Goldman Sachs Asset Management also subscribed to TopHat’s latest fundraising round. Homes England, which has funded TopHat’s development at Kitchener Barracks in Chatham, continues to explore the potential for additional support as part of its ongoing commitment to the sector. Persimmon aims to embrace the innovative manufacturing techniques used by TopHat to complement its existing Space4 timber frame product, drive further build efficiencies while expanding its product offering to customers and support moves to meet the Future Homes Standard. Aviva Capital Partners, Aviva plc’s newly launched in-house capital unit which originates infrastructure assets using Aviva group capital, has invested to bolster its sustainable community strategy. This successful fundraise will help to cement TopHat’s leadership of the modular homebuilding sector. In addition to its current output of up to 800 homes a year from its first factory in Derby, it will begin production from its cutting-edge 650,000 square feet manufacturing facility in Corby, Northampton in 2024. The new factory will employ 1,000 people, many of whom will be apprentices or employees entering the sector for the first time, working alongside the most advanced house building robots operating at scale in the UK. Jordan Rosenhaus, CEO and founder at TopHat, said: “Today’s announcement is testament to the innovative approach that TopHat continues to take to house building and marks a step-change for the future of housing. “It has been clear for some time that designing and building green, beautiful homes in factories is a critical part of solving the housing crisis – and today’s announcement will enable TopHat to reach the scale where the new generation of modular homes can be made available to everyone.” Dean Finch, Group Chief Executive at Persimmon, said: “Persimmon is delighted to announce this partnership, combining the country’s most innovative modular manufacturer with the most cost-effective volume house builder. “This investment provides Persimmon with guaranteed access to very energy-efficient volumetric modular units as well as TopHat’s innovative brick façade to use with our Space4 timber frame products. “This will provide further build efficiencies, manage the growing challenge of labour shortages in key trades and expand our product range for customers. Combining our complementary industry-leading capabilities alongside other significant new investment makes me excited for the opportunities ahead.” John Cummins, CEO, Aviva Capital Partners, said: “Aviva is using its financial strength to invest in the sustainable infrastructure and real estate which are central to the UK’s net zero transition. TopHat is a pioneer of low-carbon homes and this investment will make sustainable housing more widely available, making a difference to communities and providing a retirement income for our customers.” Harry Swales, Chief Investment Officer at Homes England, said: “Modern Methods of Construction have the potential to revolutionise the housing sector, driving greater efficiency and productivity, reducing carbon emissions, decreasing disruption caused by construction and increasing consumer choice. “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, we’re committed to increasing the use of MMC, and supporting our partners in the sector to invest in it. This investment from TopHat, Persimmon and Aviva Capital is not only an important step forward for TopHat, but really encouraging for the wider sector.” TopHat is already working with some of the UK’s biggest developers and investors, including BoKlok, Man Group and Urban & Civic.

Travis Perkins hails “resilient first quarter” as total sales decline in challenging market conditions

Tess Egginton
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Travis Perkins hails “resilient first quarter” as total sales decline in challenging market conditions
Builders’ merchant Travis Perkins says it has delivered “a resilient first quarter trading performance” despite total sales declining by 2.8% amid challenging market conditions. The Northampton-headquartered company highlighted that trading volumes in the Merchanting business were impacted by weakness in the new build housing and domestic repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) markets. The commercial, industrial and public sector markets, which represent just under half of the group’s end market exposure, saw more resilient demand. Overall, Merchanting total sales were down by 4.7% in the quarter. Nick Roberts, Chief Executive, said: “As we had anticipated, trading conditions were challenging in the first quarter but our diverse exposure across the construction sector has enabled us to deliver a resilient performance. The timely actions taken to prepare our businesses for a lower demand environment mean that we continue to expect to deliver a full year performance in line with market expectations. “We are focused on ensuring the right balance between cost and capital discipline and investing to deliver against our strategic priorities. The growth opportunities provided by the need to decarbonise the UK’s built environment, improve the energy efficiency of public and private buildings and increase the UK’s housing stock remain significant. “Allied to our strategy of expanding value-added services in the Merchant businesses and maximising the growth potential of Toolstation, these structural drivers leave the group well placed for future outperformance.”

Mixed start to 2023 for East Midlands businesses as start-ups increase and cashflow improves, but insolvency activity rises

Tess Egginton
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Mixed start to 2023 for East Midlands businesses as start-ups increase and cashflow improves, but insolvency activity rises

Latest research from the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 paints a mixed start to 2023 for East Midlands businesses, with a significant increase in start-ups but a doubling of insolvency-related activity.

R3’s figures, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, highlight a 13.9% rise in the number of companies set up in the East Midlands since the beginning of the year, rising from 2,460 in January to 2,803 in March.

R3’s analysis also shows a sizeable decrease in the number of bad debts on the books of East Midlands businesses, falling by 21.3% in March to 111 from 141 in January.

R3 stresses, however, that seeing these statistics as signs of longer-term business recovery should be viewed with caution, not least because there has been a sizeable increase in insolvency-related activities in the region since the beginning of the year.

The number, which includes liquidator and administrator appointments as well as creditors’ meetings, more than doubled (108.3%) between January and March of this year, indicating the extent of the economic challenges still facing East Midlands companies.

R3 Midlands committee member Stephen Rome, a director at law firm Thursfields in the region, said: “This R3 report reveals how challenging it is for local businesses to survive and grow in this current climate. While the increasing number of start-ups in the region is positive, as are the indications of improving cashflow, we are still facing huge economic hurdles.

“Inflation, contracting economies, higher energy and wage costs and low consumer confidence are all threatening the sustainability of East Midlands businesses, who are having to fight hard to survive.

“Our advice to any directors who are worried about the viability of their company, start-up or otherwise, is to seek professional help and to do it as soon as possible. Many R3 members offer a free consultation to those who want to explore their options.”

100 jobs to be created as fried chicken restaurant plans to open drive-thru at £30m mixed-use development in Nottingham

Tess Egginton
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100 jobs to be created as fried chicken restaurant plans to open drive-thru at £30m mixed-use development in Nottingham
One of the first UK drive-thrus for a US fried chicken restaurant is planning to open at a £30 million mixed-use development in Nottingham. Popeyes® already has a branch in Upper Parliament Street in Nottingham city centre and is planning to further its presence in the city at Teal Park. The site, off the Colwick Loop Road in Netherfield, has been jointly developed by Warwickshire-based AC Lloyd Commercial (ACL) and Nottingham-based Henry Davidson Developments (HDD). They have exchanged contracts with Popeyes® for the 2,500 sq ft unit which will contain a 65-seating area, drive-through, car-parking and click and collect bays. A planning application is currently being prepared and if planning approval is successful, work would begin later this year on converting the premises into another Popeyes site. 100 jobs would be created when it begins trading in the spring of 2024. Popeyes’ pace of openings is seeing the chain expand across the UK at a faster rate than comparators which have also recently landed from across the pond. Mark Edwards, Managing Director at AC Lloyd Commercial, said Popeyes®, which is famous for its Louisiana chicken, would be a welcome addition to the retail units already based at Teal Park. “Popeyes® has continued to grow in popularity across the UK since it opened its first branch in London in 2021,” he said. “They are starting the next stage of their growth plans by introducing drive-thru restaurants and, providing planning is approved, this will become among their first in the UK. “Teal Park is a thriving mixed-use development with a diverse range of businesses and it would be great to add Popeyes® to the site.” Richard Croft, director at HDD, added: “This has been a really successful project which is highlighted by the range of businesses which have opened units as well as the mix of international, national and local companies that are now based here.” Teal Park is also home to Aldi, Birds Bakery’s, Pizza Triangle, Valley CiDS charity shop, a state-of-the-art care home, and a trade and industrial park. Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes UK, added: “The sustained demand we’re seeing for Popeyes is incredible, it’s great to see how enthusiastically the UK has welcomed us, and we’re particularly proud to be opening our first drive-thru locations this year. Following the success of our Upper Parliament Street restaurant which landed in Autumn 2022, opening a drive-thru location locally was an obvious choice for us. We’re looking forward to expanding our offering in Nottingham.”

University of Nottingham donates research ambulance and supplies to support those living in Ukraine

Michael Fisher
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University of Nottingham donates research ambulance and supplies to support those living in Ukraine
The University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering has donated a research ambulance and medical supplies to Ambulance Aid to support those living in Ukraine. 19 medical oxygen concentrators, which produce a continuous supply of oxygen and negate the need for regular bottled gas deliveries, were donated by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and loaded into the ambulance, with a further 30 also due to be donated. Professor of Bioengineering Donal McNally, who coordinated the donation, said: “We used the ambulance as a testbed for technologies to make transporting very premature babies less stressful and safer. Now that this project is over, it is fantastic that it is going to continue saving lives and I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to this incredibly important cause.” Launched in March 2022, Ambulance Aid’s mission is to fund the purchase of former ambulances and deliver them in partnership with Medical Aid Ukraine to where they are needed most. To date, 16 ambulances filled with medical supplies have already been delivered to Ukraine, with volunteers driving them across Europe to get there. Claudine Pearson, Volunteer Director at Ambulance Aid, said: “Our strength comes from teamwork. So many local people have stepped up to do what they can, where they can. I’d like to express my thanks to those who have continued to support the cause, meaning we are able to deliver on the gifting of this vehicle from the University of Nottingham to help save lives in Ukraine.” The ambulance and supplies will be driven out to Ukraine early next month after it’s undergone service checks, joining the 16 other ambulances already serving there. Professor Sam Kingman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Engineering, added: “After a successful project I’m happy to see our research ambulance being put to another crucial cause and would like to congratulate Donal for coordinating such a fantastic assortment of supplies for Ambulance Aid. The fact he’s been able to collect such an impressive variety of equipment is a testament to how many people want to aid those affected by the war in Ukraine.”

North Northants allocated £1.1m of funding for rural communities and businesses

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North Northants allocated £1.1m of funding for rural communities and businesses
Rural communities in the local area will receive funding boosts after North Northamptonshire Council received confirmation of £1,161,812 from central Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund. NNC’s funding allocation will be used to launch a capital business grant scheme and a capital grant scheme for rural areas of North Northamptonshire. The funding runs to March 2025. Central Government has identified areas of North Northamptonshire which are classed as ‘rural’ with all areas apart from the larger towns of Corby, Desborough, Kettering, Higham Ferrers, Rushden and Wellingborough eligible for funding. The Rural England Prosperity Fund is a top-up to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, of which North Northamptonshire has secured £4.8 million and has two key objectives – ‘supporting local business’ and ‘community and place’. The Rural Fund provides capital funding to:
  • support new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy. This includes farm businesses looking to diversify income streams
  • support new and improved community infrastructure, providing essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy
Cllr David Howes, the council’s Executive Member for Rural Communities and Localism, said: “I am delighted we have been successful in our bid for over £1.1 million of funding for the more rural areas of North Northamptonshire. Rural areas often face specific challenges and the funds we have received, on behalf of the residents and businesses in the area, will help to level up communities and support rural businesses to grow.” Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “Following our allocation of Shared Prosperity Funding, this is great news and will further help businesses and communities across North Northamptonshire. Work can now start on a range of projects, including new grant schemes which will make a real difference to North Northamptonshire and boost growth.” Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council, said: “As with our main Shared Prosperity Funding, we are working closely with key stakeholders to ensure this allocation reaches those most in need, and those with great ideas to support the local economy. I would encourage businesses and residents to keep an eye out for more information about the grant schemes.”

Scenariio signs up to global consortium to shrink firms’ carbon footprint

Stuart Pearcey
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Scenariio signs up to global consortium to shrink firms’ carbon footprint
IT and smart building technology firm Scenariio has become the second UK firm to sign up to a global consortium aiming to enlighten firms on ways they can save money and reduce their carbon footprint. The firm, based in Derby’s Siddals Road, has joined the PoE (Power over Ethernet) Consortium – a global industry trade group set up last year to promote PoE. Its aim is to advance PoE education, advocacy and to share best practice so that more countries can learn about the ways in which it can save them money and reduce their carbon footprint. Scenariio, which installs smart building technology and infrastructure, has become only the second UK firm to join the consortium. PoE has been used for years to power telephones and laptops and is increasingly being used in smart building schemes to enable owners and operators to monitor and control heating, lighting and security via devices linked to the internet. It saves money because there is no longer a need for a separate power source to each device, meaning there is no need to employ an electrician, no need for extra wiring, no need for safety approval and no need to modify building plans. Scenariio believes UK firms could be wasting thousands of pounds on electrical installation costs because they are unaware of the full range of capabilities of ethernet cables. It believes the country has fallen behind other nations in its understanding of how the cables can be used to a greater extent by carrying electricity as well as data to devices with increased power demands such as LED lights, security cameras, AV and monitors. MD Rob Pritchard said: “It is accepted that a traditional telephone cable provides electricity for the telephone as well as carrying the signal, and this same cable can power a number of devices at the same time, including LED lights, sensors and security cameras, without a separate AC supply. “Installing only one type of cable on one infrastructure network from a central comms room reduces complexity and opportunities for issues. “This makes it much more flexible and cost-effective and saves significantly on installation and cabling, but for some reason the take-up is still relatively low in the UK. “We want to change that, which is why we’ve joined the PoE Consortium. It’s still early days but there are some major names involved and we’re very pleased to be lining up alongside them. “In the low-carbon, post-lockdown world, smart buildings are the future and if UK companies are to deliver the cost savings and sustainability strategies they’re being required to achieve, then innovations such as power over ethernet is vital to their chances of doing so.”

Speculative North Derbyshire business park under construction

Tess Egginton
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Speculative North Derbyshire business park under construction
Construction is now underway on a multi-million pound scheme to unlock land for employment in Clay Cross near Chesterfield.Roe Developments is set to transform the second phase of Wingfield View Business Park, which will see the creation of around 65,000 sq ft across 16 high specification industrial / logistics units, offering units from 2,000 to 12,000 sq ft. The estate will offer high quality employment and business premises, available for occupation from Q3 2023. Interest has been strong to date, with several units now under offer.Harry Orwin-Allen, senior surveyor at Knight Frank in Sheffield, which is marketing the park with FHP Property Consultants, said: “Our client Roe Developments has already proved the demand for high quality, new build industrial and warehouse opportunities in this area, with Phase One a single industrial terrace having been successfully delivered and either sold or let prior to construction having completed.“The park offers competitive lease terms and freehold sale values, with units being built to a specification to meet modern occupiers’ requirements and to provide the highest standard of industrial and warehousing space available in the area.”Wingfield View follows the successful development of the Railway View Business Park in Clay Cross by Roe Developments which is now 100 per cent let.

Planning granted for Langley Mill industrial scheme

Tess Egginton
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Planning granted for Langley Mill industrial scheme
Some 70,000 sq ft of prime industrial space has been given the green light in Langley Mill. The scheme, named Total Park Nottingham, will be brought forward by Total Developments and comprise two units of 30,000 sq ft and 40,000 sq ft, available on a leasehold basis. Construction work is expected to commence in early Q3 2023 with around a nine month build programme. NG Chartered Surveyors and M1 Agency are marketing the site jointly. Richard Sutton, Managing Director of NG, said: “With consent now secured for 30,000 sq ft and 40,000 sq ft, Total Park Nottingham will be a welcome addition to the region’s stock levels with demand in this sector the highest it has ever been. “We are now actively targeting small and medium-sized companies looking to expand into high-quality industrial units under 50,000 sq ft.”
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