Warehouse expansion for refrigeration specialist
A Leicestershire-based refrigeration specialist is extending nationwide distribution with the launch of new warehouse premises at Castle Donington.
East Midlands commercial property specialist Andrew + Ashwell has negotiated the lease of 17,633 sq ft to TEFCOLD UK, a long-established local supplier of commercial refrigeration, which already operates from two neighbouring warehouses.
TEFCOLD (UK) is a trading name of Interlevin Refrigeration Ltd; part of The TEFCOLD Group and the UK’s largest wholesaler of commercial refrigeration. At the forefront of the industry since 1967, the company works closely with leading global manufacturers to source and develop new, innovative products.
TEFCOLD (UK) imports and wholesales leading brands through a broad network of distributors. The Castle Donington site is centrally placed for fast road and air travel across the whole of the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The new property is an end terrace unit of steel portal construction. Inside is a spacious warehouse, with a two storey, air-conditioned office block at the front providing a mix of open plan and enclosed accommodation, plus kitchen and toilets. There is a further works office in the warehouse. Outside is a loading forecourt, car parking for 16 vehicles, plus further parking at the perimeter of the yard.
Kelvin Wilson, associate director at Andrew + Ashwell, said: “It’s always encouraging to see business expansion within the East Midlands.
“This new letting underpins continuing demand for high quality accommodation across the region, since stock levels continue to remain low and we wish Interlevin Refrigeration Ltd the best of luck with their expansion plans.
“Despite economic and energy market uncertainty, the current demand and supply imbalance within the industrial market consistently stimulates its stability after what has been a challenging three years.”
Housebuilder secures green light for 60 new homes in Bramcote
Keepmoat has secured planning approval for 60 new residential units for the Hulks Farm site in Bramcote following a unanimous decision from Broxtowe Borough Council.
Plans for 60 three- and four-bedroom homes, as well as a portion of one-, two-, and three-bedroom affordable homes will be delivered on the derelict farmland off Sidings Lane and Coventry Lane in the picturesque suburban village of Bramcote in Nottinghamshire.
Obtained from a private landowner, the site is currently occupied by old farm buildings and outhouses. Upon the completion, Keepmoat will carry out a period of remedial works prior to delivering the much-needed homes, the first of which are due to be available to buyers in December 2023.
At the development, 30% of the homes will be allocated as affordable homes, of which 30% will be available under the government-backed First Homes scheme, that allows for local and key-worker first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder with homes available to them at a discounted price.
As part of Keepmoat’s sustainable housing pledge, the 60 new energy-efficient homes have been designed to reduce carbon emissions by 31% and are complete with increased insulation and solar PV panels, with the addition of EV charging points, to encourage the use of electric vehicles.
Plans for the development also include the retention of greenspaces that will result in a 27% net gain in biodiversity, as well as the regeneration of an existing tree-lined pond that will provide residents an attractive communal amenity space.
Shaun Fielding, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, said: “It’s with great pleasure that we can announce the planning approval of 60 new energy-efficient homes in Bramcote, with thanks to Broxtowe Borough Council.
“As a housebuilder, we are aware of the need for modern, eco-friendly homes that are fit for the future, and with this development, we aim to deliver a collection of contemporary designed homes complete with all the latest in energy-preserving technology, in an idyllic semi-rural setting with access to the stunning greenspaces of the region.”
Work on site at Hulks Farm is set to commence imminently, with the first homes due to complete in December 2023. The development will take around two years to complete.
Former site manager jailed for fraud after siphoning millions from Lincolnshire company
A former site manager has been jailed after using his position to siphon millions from a Lincolnshire-based metal recycling company.
Garry Killick, 48, of Gleneagles Close in Stamford, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court where he was sentenced to three years and nine months for nine counts of fraud by abuse of position.
From 2014 to July 2017, Killick used his authority as site manager to fraudulently divert funds totalling £2.2 million from the company by creating false customer records on bogus sales of scrap metal, paying others by way of cheque, bank transfer and PDQ (electronic transfer onto bank cards).
During sentencing, Her Honourable Judge Sjolin Knight said: “You played a pivotal role in a £2.2 million fraud which went on for 2-3 years from which you received some direct personal benefit.
“You’d worked your way up to a position of responsibility and abused this trust.”
The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Constable James Norton from the Economic Crime Unit (ECU), said: “Garry Killick was calculated in his offending, using his authority, and abusing the trust he had with the business to benefit financially.”
Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Jonathan Kelleher, said: “Garry Killick abused his position as a trusted manager to take advantage of and defraud the business he was working for of more than £2.2 million.
“The CPS works closely with police to bring fraudulent offenders like Killick to justice and we will be pursuing his ill-gotten gains through the Proceeds of Crime Act.”
Transport and logistics firm takes over 500,000 sq ft in Daventry
Prologis, the owner and developer of logistics real estate, has completed and leased two distribution centres at RFI DIRFT (Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal), adding over 514,000 sq ft of prime logistics real estate to the market.
The two build-to-suit units, DC6 (232,302 sq ft) and DC7 (281,890 sq ft), have been leased to Warrens, part of Culina Group. Warrens, a transport and logistics provider, joins Stobart in expanding Culina Group’s presence at DIRFT.
Classed as nationally significant infrastructure, DIRFT is home to many household brands, including some of the UK’s biggest retailers, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Dunelm. The new build-to-suit units were designed by Stephen George + Partners and constructed by VolkerFitzpatrick.
In line with Prologis’ commitment to meeting its global net zero in operation 2030 target, both DC6 and DC7 are BREEAM-rated “Excellent”, with an EPC A rating. The units are also carbon neutral in construction, certified by Planet Mark. This means that all of the carbon built into the structure during construction has been measured, reduced through proactive design and then mitigated.
Together, the construction of DC6 and DC7 has delivered £5.4 million in social value, partly through the number of job opportunities created onsite.
Speaking about the two new units, Tim Burn, development manager at Prologis UK, said: “DIRFT is our largest asset in the UK, and it is always rewarding to watch the site grow and develop. The two new units are prime examples of the state-of-the-art facilities that we deliver for our customers, and what better location to do it in than the UK’s largest multimodal park.
“Culina Group is a longstanding Prologis customer, with Stobart, also part of the group, already operating out of DIRFT. We’re proud to welcome Warrens onsite and look forward to seeing the business further develop and grow.”
Tom Middlemiss, Managing Director at Warrens, said: “Our two new distribution centres are symbolic of our growth ambitions. Being involved in their development from an early stage has allowed us to customise the design and fit-out to meet our exact needs for both today, and the future.”
Andy Collinson, Capital Projects director at Culina Group, said: “Prologis Parks have always been a solid choice for our customers, and it’s great to see another Culina Group business expand its services at DIRFT. With easy access to major transportation lines, we are sure that Warrens will enjoy everything that the park has to offer.”
Andrew Stoney, operations director at VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “Our latest completed project for Prologis UK and Warrens demonstrates the power of collaborative partnership, and is a testament to the ongoing relationship that VolkerFitzpatrick has with Prologis. It was a pleasure to recently host a group of NTU Built Environment students onsite to learn about the exacting standards we collectively work to.”
Tributes paid to former LLEP CEO Mandip Rai
Senior leaders from the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) have paid tribute to former Chief Executive Mandip Rai.
Mr Rai, who passed away over the weekend, served as CEO from 2016 to 2022. Prior to that, he was the LLEP’s Head of Strategy and Engagement.
Andy Reed OBE, LLEP Co-Chair, said: “I was saddened to hear the news over the weekend and, like all our Directors and Officers, my thoughts and prayers are with Mandip’s family at this difficult time.
“Mandip delivered much of the work done in establishing the LLEP before going on to grow its reach and impact as Chief Executive.
“He was a hugely valuable part of the LLEP team for many years and was greatly liked and admired by all who knew him.”
Anil Majithia, LLEP Co-Chair, said: “Mandip contributed a great deal to so much of the infrastructure and skills agenda we see in our region today.
“His career was spent bringing people together to achieve more for our area and his ability to do so successfully was testament to his approach and personality.
“Mandip was a kind and conscientious colleague to me and many others and I send my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”
Sue Tilley, Head of LLEP, said: “Mandip did so much for me and other LLEP colleagues.
“He was a great source of support and encouragement, and we continue to work to his principles and vision.
“The team and I are all thinking of Mandip’s family at this very sad time.”
Kevin Harris, the former LLEP Chair, launched the LLEP’s Economic Growth Strategy alongside Mr Rai in December 2021.
Mr Harris, now the Chair of East Midlands Chamber, said: “Mandip dedicated his working life to helping the growth and development of our city and county.
“Leicester and Leicestershire have much to thank him for, especially in terms of the part he played in helping secure investment for major developments which will benefit not only this generation but many to come.
“It was a delight to work with Mandip in my time as Chair of the LLEP and I am grateful for the support and help he provided to me and many others.”
Mr Rai worked in economic policy, development, and regeneration for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, and Leicester City Council before being appointed Head of LLEP in 2011.
After playing a key role in the formation of the partnership, he took responsibility for engaging local and national stakeholders, developing enterprise zones, and for delivering its Strategic Economic Plan.
Digital support helps increase footfall for Bassetlaw high street businesses
Ninety businesses in Bassetlaw have been given the digital tools and expertise needed to increase footfall and attract new customers via an innovative scheme.
Support was offered by East Midlands Chamber under the Bassetlaw High Street Business Support Programme, which aimed to support high street businesses across the district to adapt to changing purchasing habits, such as a move towards online transactions.
The businesses benefitted from one-to-one support from a high street adviser, and 78 of them received grant funding of up to £2,000 to help implement business improvement actions.
East Midlands Chamber’s deputy chief executive Diane Beresford said: “The Bassetlaw High Street Business Support Programme has helped businesses to improve their digital skills and implement online trading that complement, rather than replace, their high street presence.
“There are so many highly passionate business owners across the district who simply needed very practical support in boosting trade, for both the short and long term.”
The project, which ran from January to June last year, was funded by Bassetlaw District Council via the Government’s Welcome Back Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered in partnership with the chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.
Councillor Jo White, cabinet member for regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council, added: “It is wonderful to see so many businesses in Bassetlaw benefitting from the Bassetlaw High Street Business Support Programme.
“Purchasing habits have changed since Covid-19, with more people moving towards online transactions. The adoption of contemporary online trading methods will improve sales both now and in the future.”
New partner at Timms Solicitors
Family lawyer and Resolution-trained family mediator, Adrian Rose, has become a partner with Timms Solicitors which has offices in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, Burton-upon-Trent, Swadlincote and Ashby.
Adrian joins the leadership team of Fiona Moffat, Dee Khunkhuna and Jo Robinson having made such a positive impact on the work of the Family Law team with the development of mediation services for clients.
Managing partner Fiona Moffat explained: “We are delighted that Adrian has become a partner with the firm and this promotion is well-deserved.
“His expertise and his excellent reputation on family law matters and mediation services has greatly enhanced the fast-growing team and this timely and cost-effective resolution has had a hugely positive impact on clients during difficult times in their lives.”
Adrian has worked exclusively in family law for almost thirty years and specialises in all areas of family law, including divorce and cohabitation, financial matters and disputes relating to children.
His area of practice focusses on more complex and medium to high net worth financial cases, he has a particular interest in cases which involve pensions, businesses and farms, trusts, and property portfolios.
He also advises in respect of wealth protection and relationship planning, dealing pre and post nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and declarations of trust.
Adrian also has a wealth of experience of dealing with issues relating to arrangements for children, dealing with these in a practical and sympathetic manner. He advises clients of the realistic prospects of any application and ensures that the welfare of the child or children remains at the forefront throughout.
In his spare time, Adrian enjoys the great outdoors, especially hill and mountain walking, gardening and horticulture as well as sport and is a long-time supporter of both Derby County Football Club and Leicester Tigers.
Business optimism flatlines as output and employment slump
Business optimism stagnated in January as output significantly declined and firms cut back on hiring staff, according to the latest Business Trends report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.
For the third time in just six months, all four of the Indices tracked by the report – Output, Optimism, Employment and Inflation – fell simultaneously.
BDO’s Output Index, which tracks economic growth, experienced a sharp decline for the fourth consecutive month, as a 3.45-point fall brought it down to 89.15, remaining well below the crucial 95-point threshold between expansion and contraction for the second consecutive month.
This overall decline in output was driven largely by the Services Output Sub-Index which registered a 3.85-point dip in January as the cost-of-living crisis weakened consumer spending and demand across the services sector. This marks its lowest level since March 2021 when the economy was about to reopen following the third national lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dips in services productivity were also reflected in optimism across the sector. The Services Optimism Sub-Index fell by 0.23 points in response to inflationary pressures expected to heighten economic pressures facing businesses in the coming months.
In contrast, January saw the Manufacturing Optimism Sub-index end nine consecutive months of decline, increasing by 0.25 points. Diminishing input price inflation slowed declines across manufacturing output for the first time in four months – bolstering business confidence across this sector.
However, this turning point wasn’t enough to outweigh the net-pessimism across the services sector which led to an overall dip of 0.01-points in BDO’s Optimism Index to stand at a 91.88, remaining in negative territory for the fourth consecutive month.
Responding to the net declines across Optimism and Output, BDO’s Employment Index fell to its lowest reading since December 2021. Weakened hiring intentions led to a drop of 1.02-points as firms expect to cut back on plans for recruitment in the months ahead.
BDO’s Inflation Index witnessed a significant 3.75-point drop as it fell to 114.16, its lowest point since March 2022. The gradual easing of price pressures has marked a shift across the Input Inflation and Consumer Inflation indices driven by recent falls in wholesale energy prices. Despite this fall, inflationary pressures remain historically elevated.
Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “A net decline across the Optimism, Output and Employment Indices, coupled with historically high levels of inflation, suggests the outlook still remains bleak for businesses, with hiring intentions at their lowest levels in over a year and ever-increasing economic headwinds driving threats of a recession.
“With a new Department for Business and Trade in place and a Spring Budget on the horizon, there is space in Government to consider how best to offer firms a helping hand. Businesses need the right support in place to ensure they can weather the challenges ahead and focus on continuing to drive the growth of the UK’s economy.”
Plans submitted for student accommodation at Nottingham office
Plans have been submitted to transform offices in Nottingham into student accommodation.
Thiskey House, at 2 St James’s Terrace, would be converted into a 9-bed scheme if new proposals from DE74 PROPERTIES LTD are given the go-ahead.
A games room/cinema room are also planned for the listed, three storey building that dates back to the 1820’s.
A design statement says: “The development utilises an existing developed site in a highly desirable location within Nottingham and the Castle Conservation Area of the city.
“The current building is in need of maintenance work and the conversion back into a dwelling will give the listed property a new lease of life that we feel will not only benefit the end users with high quality accommodation but preserve the appearance on the street scene of a listed building within an established conservation area.”
New business centre set to transform vehicle workshop and former stables in Long Eaton
A vehicle workshop and former stables in Long Eaton are set to be transformed into a business centre, now that plans have been approved.
The workshop and non-original additions to the building will be demolished to make way for the scheme, which would provide 14 studio units.
Erewash Borough Council are behind the proposals at Town Hall on Derby Road, which aim to allow for small/start-up businesses to thrive and make use of the vacant Grade II listed site.
A design statement says that the conversion “will revitalise the spaces and bring the listed asset back up to its former prowess.”
32 full-time equivalent jobs are expected to be created at the development.
