Aggregate Industries acquires Sivyer Logistics
Leicestershire-headquartered building materials supplier Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has acquired Sivyer Logistics, a handler of construction and demolition waste (CDW) materials to the London construction industry.
The acquisition will significantly strengthen Aggregate Industries’ position to become one of the leading providers of recycled construction and demolition waste materials in London, the largest circular economy market in the UK. It will also provide Aggregate Industries with further growth opportunities in other areas of the country.
With six facilities across the capital, Sivyer Logistics’ services include waste management, vehicle logistics, manufactured soils, primary and recycled aggregates and volumetric readymix concrete. Sivyer currently handles 1 million tonnes of waste materials per year, recovering over 450,000 tonnes through state of the art recycling and recovery processes.
Dragan Maksimovic, CEO of Aggregate Industries UK, said: “Sivyer Logistics is an impressive business that has multiple synergies with our own. This acquisition is positioning us at the forefront of circular construction, driving our ambition to build new from the old.
“We have an ambitious strategy to grow our CDW and circular economy operations by 2025, and the acquisition of Sivyer provides us with enhanced expertise, facilities and products as we continue to strive to become the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable construction materials and solutions.”
Simon Sivyer, Managing Director at Sivyer Logistics, said: “We have a long heritage going back to 1862, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a business to date. We’re delighted to be beginning this next chapter of our story and are looking forward to continued growth in the London area and beyond with Aggregate Industries’ backing.”
East Midlands boss donates Easter treat to hospital children’s ward
Youngsters in the children’s ward at a Midlands hospital have enjoyed an egg-citing Easter surprise.
Leicestershire businessman Adrian Burr, chairman of Springbourne Homes, had the cracking idea of donating 30 Easter eggs.
Adrian hatched his egg-cellent plan to mark Springbourne’s 30th anniversary of building homes across Leicestershire and Warwickshire.
He said: “I want our landmark birthday celebrations to be a time when we give back to our local community.
“That’s why I’ve pledged that Springbourne will carry out 30 acts of kindness this year to celebrate our 30th anniversary.
“I know there’s never a good time to be in hospital but Easter must be tough, especially for the children.
“That’s why we wanted to bring in some eggs-tra treats to try to ensure those on the ward over the holidays were still able to join in the Easter celebrations.”
Sarah-Jayne Wetton, Ward Manager at Nuneaton’s George Eliot Hospital, certainly appreciated Springbourne’s kind gesture, saying: “A huge thank you to Adrian and Springbourne Homes for donating these Easter eggs.
“It’s a lovely gift for our young patients from Nuneaton, Bedworth and surrounding areas which is very much appreciated.”
Flex office provider acquires second Nottingham site
Flex office provider Cubo has expanded its footprint in Nottingham with the acquisition of the former Nottingham General Hospital headquarters on Park Row in the city’s professional quarter.
Cubo has taken a new lease on the impressive Standard Court building, which is located on Standard Hill on the Royal Standard Place development, close to The Park Estate and the city centre.
Standard Court has had a long history and was originally the city’s main hospital before becoming the headquarters of the Nottingham City Primary Care Trust. It has been vacant since 2018.
The new Cubo features 50,000 sq ft of office accommodation arranged over four floors, with 630 desks available. It also boasts elevated views over the south of the city.
As well as the regular Cubo member benefits, Standard Hill will offer a full wellness centre, including gym and spa. It also has a secure car park with 44 spaces.
The new site will complement the accommodation already available at the Cubo workspace at Fenchurch House on King Street, which opened in 2020.
The 20,000 sq ft building, which is currently at maximum occupancy, houses 41 businesses, with more than 360 members from across a broad range of sectors.
The acquisition of Standard Court forms part of the company’s strategic growth plans and takes the number of sites across the Midlands and South Yorkshire to six. New sites will be opening by the end of Q2 2023 in Edinburgh and Manchester, alongside an additional site in Birmingham, with other locations to be announced shortly.
Founded by property investors Marc and Becky Brough, Cubo provides SMEs and tech companies with an experience-led lifestyle offer to meet the changing needs of businesses – from hot desking to a designated desk, private office, or entire floor, all available on flexible terms.
Member benefits include large communal spaces, private areas, break-out spaces, kitchens, an inclusive barista service with beer on tap, along with a programme of free networking events. Cubo members can also take advantage of an experienced front of house team.
Commenting on the acquisition of Standard Court, Marc Brough, Managing Director at Cubo, said: “This is going to be the most incredible workspace and office building in Nottingham and will also be the largest workspace in the Cubo portfolio.
“The acquisition of a second Nottingham site underlines our strategy of building a national presence of flexible working spaces for Millennial and Generation Z-led SMEs and corporate clients.
“Standard Court is an outstanding building. We’re certain that businesses and entrepreneurs will come to the building because of its unbeatable location, local amenities and the sheer quality of the space. It is a place with a real presence on the city’s skyline.
“We have already had expressions of interest in the accommodation and we will be announcing pre-lets in the coming weeks.”
New student scheme set for Nottingham following multi-million property purchase
Hull-headquartered Kexgill Group, one of the largest private owners of student houses and halls in the UK, has completed the multi-million purchase of Raleigh House, located close to Nottingham Trent University City Centre Campus.
Raleigh House provides over 20,000 sq ft of floor space, which Kexgill will convert into a new 57-bed cluster scheme. The development will form part of the group’s University Quarter brand and strengthens its existing student accommodation portfolio in Nottingham.
Kexgill’s legal advice was led by Helen Mellors, property partner at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, supported by partners Fiona Phillips (corporate), who provided advice on VAT, and Nick Dean (property litigation), who advised across a range of non-contentious issues.
The purchase of Raleigh House follows an exceptionally busy period for Kexgill, which most recently saw the award-winning group refinance 55 residential student units at various locations across the UK via a £25 million facility provided by InterBay Bank.
Richard Stott, managing director of the Kexgill Group, said: “Andrew Jackson continues to ensure that our best interests are looked after in what are often complex transactions.
“This latest purchase required careful negotiation over a lengthy period of time and I am delighted that Helen and the Andrew Jackson team were able to help us achieve preferred developer status for Raleigh House. We are now looking forward to ensuring that the premises receive the Kexgill treatment as we add to our existing portfolio of high quality, affordable student accommodation in Nottingham.”
Helen Mellors added: “Kexgill is a long standing client and we are particularly delighted to have assisted Richard and his team on the group’s latest transaction, and to support their continued growth in the student accommodation sector.”
Cawarden demolition operative wins prestigious award
Jamie Dial, of Derby-based Specialist Contractor Cawarden, has been presented with an award by the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC).
The NFDC announced the winners and highly commended nominees for the 2023 awards at the annual luncheon – held on Friday 24th March at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
Jamie was presented with the CITB-sponsored ‘Demolition Operative of the Year’ award by NFDC’s CEO, Howard Button.
In recognition of his enthusiasm, hard work, and willingness to learn and progress, Jamie, 22, won the award. Jamie was over the moon to receive his award on stage.
When Cawarden first met Jamie, he was living in YMCA accommodation in Derby. Jamie had a tough start in life but he hasn’t let that hold him back.
The NFDC Demolition Awards recognises and celebrates the very best in the demolition sector today.
To receive an award from the Federation, which is known for championing high standards in demolition for more than 80 years, is a prestigious accolade indeed.
Jamie Dial, demolition operative, said: “I have proved myself wrong and I am proud of what I have achieved so far and the confidence and motivation I have acquired through my work at Cawarden. I’m excited about the future and would like to thank everyone who has supported me.”
William Crooks, Managing Director, said: “Jamie is a shining star, and I’m excited to watch him grow as a person and gain a lifetime of skills at Cawarden. The progress he has made in such a short time makes us very proud. Through his story, I hope Jamie helps to inspire others to join us and shape the future of next-generation demolition talent.”
Find out more about Jamie’s demolition journey so far via his Q&A.
Bruce Wallace Associates join Shakespeare Martineau
Company secretarial business Bruce Wallace Associates is joining East Midlands full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau as part of a shared growth strategy.
The union will see Bruce Wallace Associates’ team of five, including its directors Susan Wallace and Martha Bruce, take on the Shakespeare Martineau brand – bringing the team to more than 13.
Bruce and Wallace are both Fellows of the Chartered Governance Institute and are regarded as experts in their field. They provide complex advice and support to AIM and main market-listed companies, as well as FCA-regulated and groups of companies. They also regularly contribute to a number of company secretarial and governance technical publications.
Also moving to Shakespeare Martineau – which has hubs in Nottingham, Leicester and Lincoln – are Chloe Higgins and Susan Tudor-Coulson, both associates of the CGI, and Hollie Watkins, who is responsible for the compliance and statutory filing obligations for clients.
Susan Wallace said: “Martha and I believe this is an excellent move for us and our clients, who will benefit from continuity of service and the 1,200-strong team of experts available across Shakespeare Martineau and the Ampa group. We are keen to grow our team and client base, and the infrastructure Shakespeare Martineau offers will enable us to do just that.
“We were also attracted to Shakespeare Martineau’s empowered working principles – focussed on delivery and service instead of strict working hours, which is hugely important to our team. Martha and I set up Bruce Wallace Associates in 2012 from our homes and we have continued to work remotely and build a team of professional staff to support us.”
Ben Harber, head of CoSec at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “We are thrilled to have Bruce Wallace Associates joining our team; not only do they have an impeccable reputation, excellent networks and share multiple service synergies with us, but they also share our values and ethos to provide the highest standard of company secretarial and corporate governance advisory services to their clients.”
The CoSec team at Shakespeare Martineau provides specialist corporate governance advice and company secretarial services to public companies listed on AIM, AQSE and the main market as well as several large private groups. In financial year 21/22, the team achieved 25% organic growth, with a similar trajectory for this financial year and ambitious targets for 23/24.
Derby businesses warned to let in assistance dogs
Derby City Council’s Access, Equality and Inclusion Hub is calling on businesses such as shops, pubs, hairdressers and restaurants to make sure assistance dogs are let onto their premises, or risk breaking the law.
Kirsten Roberts, a visually impaired person who uses a guide dog, contacted the Council’s Lead on Equality and Diversity after being told that she could not bring her guide dog into a shop as dogs were not allowed. Sadly, this wasn’t the first time Kirsten has experienced this and as a result, the Council’s Access, Equality and Inclusion Hub are reminding all businesses that they must not stop assistance dogs from entering their premises.
Kirsten said: “My guide dog allows me to get around. I can go shopping, go to work, and socialise with her by my side to guide me where I need to go. It’s important that places like shops allow all assistance dogs, such as guide dogs so that disabled people have the same access to shopping as non-disabled people. My dog is clean and extremely well trained and allowed in places where pet dogs are not. It can be frustrating and detrimental to my quality of life not to be allowed to enter somewhere because I have an assistance dog by my side. I want to go to shops, get a taxi, and eat in a restaurant without the fear of being challenged or refused, just like non-disabled people can.”
Dale Durrant, a member of the Access, Equality and Diversity Hub said: “As soon as we heard about Kirsten’s experience at her local shop, we wanted to help her. I’m also a visually impaired person and when things happen like this it’s very distressing, especially when it goes against the Equality Act.
A Derby City Council spokesperson said: “It’s very disappointing to hear that disabled people in our city are continuing to experience disability discrimination because they have an assistance dog. We are asking all businesses to read the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s guidance about making sure that no disabled people who rely on assistance dogs are being discriminated against. Business owners must make sure that all their employees are also aware of the guidance.”
Thousands of disabled people rely on an assistance dog to help them with daily activities, such as going to the shops. Assistance dogs all undergo rigorous training meaning that they remain close to their owner and will not wander around freely. Most assistance dogs wear a harness or a jacket to make it clear that they are working dogs, however this is not a legal requirement.
Assistance dogs are not only available to support visually impaired people, but also Deaf people (hearing dogs) and those with other impairments such as epilepsy, diabetes, and mobility impairments. When an assistance dog is refused entry to a public place, their owner is prevented from accessing goods or services in a way that non-disabled people can, causing discrimination which is illegal under the Equality Act 2010.
Record year for revenue at Motorpoint
Motorpoint Group, the independent omnichannel vehicle retailer, has hailed a record year for revenue.
In an update on the Derby-based firm’s trading performance for the year ended 31 March 2023, the business indicated revenue of almost £1.44bn, up 9% and helped by vehicle mix and price inflation.
Profit before tax, meanwhile, is expected to broadly break even.
Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Motorpoint Group PLC, said: “Whilst the impact of higher interest rates and inflation will continue into FY24, new car registrations rose 18% in March, with the fleet market driving this eighth consecutive month of growth, which will in turn benefit used vehicle supply.
“This, coupled with continued market share gains and progress on our key initiatives, will enable Motorpoint to emerge from the current environment a highly profitable market leader.”
The news follows Motorpoint’s appointment of Tom Tang as chief technology officer in March. Tom has over 20 years of experience in technology leadership and has led technology organisations with his recent roles as CIO, Alliant Energy, CTO – Customer Experience, Sainsbury’s and CIO, Argos. Tom is an advocate of the benefits of AI capabilities which benefit the customer and employee, advancing the goals of the business.
East Midlands contract cleaning company sold to Birmingham group
East Midlands contract cleaning company, Lindsay Phillips Property Care (LPPC), has been sold to Birmingham-based Hygiene Group.
Set up in 2012 by husband and wife team, Lindsay and Emma Phillips, LPPC has grown rapidly and has large commercial contracts across Derbyshire and neighbouring East Midlands.
LPPC were advised on the sale by Mark Tuckwell, Shaf Bheda and Chris Matthews of Magma Corporate Finance, acting as lead advisors, with supporting tax advice provided by Magma’s Jon Kicks. Freya Summers at Wright Hassall Solicitors led the legal advisory team.
Emma Phillips said: “We are excited about joining a prominent organisation, with a like-minded approach, like Hygiene Group and excited about the positive impact this will have for our staff and customers.
“The transition has been a really emotional one for us, as we have built the business with heart and soul for such a long time.”
Chris Matthews added: “It’s been a pleasure supporting Lindsay, Emma and the team and we look forward to hearing of their continued success within the Hygiene Group family.”
Race night brings sizeable total over the line for local charity
A Race Night, organised by local charity Safe and Sound, romped home above target – raising more than £4,000 to enable the charity to support more children and young people across Derbyshire who are victims of or at risk of child exploitation. More than 130 people attended the event at Nicco restaurant and bar in Pride Park including the Mayor of Derby Cllr Robin Wood and representatives from a wide range of local businesses. Race sponsors included Loates HR Consultancy, Wathall’s, Timms solicitors, Cosy, HUUB, Colleague Box, Logic Barn and JJPR. EVAD, Invictus Communications and Derby Daybreak Rotary Club each sponsored and specially designed cocktails for the evening and other sponsors included Melbourne Print who supplied the race programme, MiniAperture Photography who offered individual headshots during the evening and Derby LIVE who provided technical support. Safe and Sound CEO Tracy Harrison, who was compere for the evening dressed as a jockey, said: “This is one of our major annual fundraising events and we are grateful for the support, once again, of the Derby business community. “Thanks to sponsorship and the support of Nicco, we were able to plough the money raised on the night directly into the charity which will now be used directly on our support programmes for children, young people and families whose lives are affected by child exploitation. “Demand for our support grows year on year and it is heartening that so many individuals and businesses recognise the value of work in local communities to protect and support those vulnerable to exploitation.” Last year, Safe and Sound supported a record 343 children and young people aged eight and above who had been victims of or at risk of child exploitation including online grooming sexual exploitation, County Lines, trafficking, modern slavery and radicalisation. The charity also supported 40 families whose lives had been affected by exploitation.
