Four hires for landscape architecture firm

Tess Egginton
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Four hires for landscape architecture firm

Landscape architecture practice Influence Landscape Planning and Design has bolstered its team with four new appointments, following a 25% business growth last year and a strong pipeline for 2023.

Jake Haywood, Angus Lilburn, and Isabel Stratton all join the East Midlands-based firm as design assistants, while Lydia Reynolds joins as administrative assistant.

Chartered practice Influence provides expertise in project management, environmental planning, feasibility and concept development, master planning and urban design, landscape design, visual impact assessment, expert witness and arboriculture.

The hires come following the significant growth of the company last year, which was due to an influx of projects in the Midlands, London and the North West, and a strategy to work on schemes which align with the wildlife, heritage and regeneration ethos of the practice. Influence is expecting a similar growth trajectory this year.

Managing Director, Sara Boland, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Angus, Jake, Lydia and Isabel to our team, who join us at an exciting time.

“We invest in young people each year by welcoming year-out students and their talents and ideas have always impressed us, so with this in mind and our increased portfolio, we wanted to permanently expand our junior workforce and nurture them through the business.

“Our new recruits are working alongside myself and the team on landscape design and planning projects. On the technical side they will be producing figures, graphics, assessment work, and assisting seniors when onsite, and on the design side, detailing and producing technical drawing.

“It’s important for us as a practice to broaden people’s knowledge of landscape architecture, and to show the younger generation that it is an integral part of developing projects – the younger that we can engage people, the better.”

After studying for his BArch undergraduate degree, Angus developed an interest in how the natural environment affects psychology. At Influence, Angus will be assisting the senior design team in producing landscape masterplans, details, visualisations, and report writing.

Isabel specialises in landscape management, which is crucial for maintaining landscapes once built. She will be helping Influence expand its services in this area.

Jake joins after completing his A-Levels in product design and geography and will be assisting the team with designing and planning.

Alongside her role at Influence, Lydia is studying a built environment course. She will be assisting on project work, as well as supporting company secretary Ruth Berry.

The new hires will all increase Influence’s ability to deliver projects from pre-planning right through to construction and maintenance.

Nottingham company acquires majority stake in health and safety consultancy specialist

Tess Egginton
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Nottingham company acquires majority stake in health and safety consultancy specialist
Phenna Group has acquired a majority stake in DM Safety & Health. Headquartered in Nottingham, Phenna Group’s aim is to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies that serve a variety of sectors, ensuring customers’ peace of mind by delivering first class assurance services. This acquisition augments its health & safety services and adds geographic, capacity and complementary services to Phenna’s service offerings. Formed in 2008 and based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, DM Safety & Health operates across the UK as a health and safety consultancy specialist offering a variety of services covering Construction Design and Management Regulations, Principal Designer, Quantity Surveyor, Project Management and Support Services. The business offers a variety of CDM support packages including the role of principal designer and also support for site residency in terms of health and safety, QS and project management. DM have a team of multi skilled experts who are safety qualified with a background in trade, enhancing the company’s service offering in the context of construction and engineering frameworks. The company counts leading listed companies as well as public sector clients amongst its customer base and serves these customers throughout the UK. Darren McHugh, Managing Director at DM Safety & Health, said: “I am thrilled and excited to start 2023 by committing my long term future to the partnership with Phenna Group.  Whilst I engaged with several potential partners and the decision was always going to be a big one for myself and my family, it was made easy when I met with Paul and his team. “I’ve been blown away by their enthusiasm, ambition and drive for helping me grow the business. It’s been a pleasure dealing with them throughout the process and I’m looking forward with confidence to what we can achieve together and to working with the wider network in Phenna Group companies.” Paul Barry, Group CEO of Phenna Group, said: “I’m thrilled that Darren has decided to partner with Phenna Group and I’m looking forward to working with him and his experienced team to help them achieve their ambitious growth targets. “Since my first meeting with him and through all subsequent discussions I’ve been thoroughly impressed by his drive and enthusiasm to push his business to a higher level.  That coupled with his infectious personality, make him an ideal fit within our Group and I’m excited to see where we can take the business. I’m sure he’ll work well within the broader Phenna Group network.” Phenna Group were advised by Johnston Carmichael and Avonhurst. DM Safety & Health were advised by Ballard Evans Corporate Finance and TLT LLP.

Daily flights between East Midlands and Belfast launch next month

Stuart Pearcey
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Daily flights between East Midlands and Belfast launch next month
Daily flights between East Midlands Airport and Belfast City will start from March 26th this year, with Emerald Airlines as the carrier. The firm, operator of the Aer Lingus Regional network, will start with a daily service, and will increase up to double daily from mid-April. Ciarán Smith, Head of Commercial at Emerald Airlines said: “As the demand for travel options from Belfast only increases, this new route will no doubt be warmly welcomed. Earlier this week we announced that we will be adding 15,000+ seats immediately across our existing network from Belfast City, and we will continue growing these services in the months ahead.”
Steve Griffiths, East Midlands Airport’s MD, said: “This news will be well received by the passengers who make use of this popular route which is an important part of our domestic offer. We look forward to working with the airline as they seek further opportunities to grow their operation here.” With more flights and more choice for the travelling public, the airline is progressively bolstering its Summer 2023 Schedule. Emerald Airlines will add 180,000+ extra seats this Summer from Belfast City Airport, operating over 400 weekly flights this Summer to and from Belfast.

Charnwood council urges landlords to apply for licences under new schemes

Stuart Pearcey
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Charnwood council urges landlords to apply for licences under new schemes

Landlords of private rented properties covered by two new licensing schemes in the Charnwood area of north Leicestershire are being encouraged by their borough council to apply for licences under its Additional and Selective Licensing schemes to drive up standards across privately-rented homes in the area.

Landlords and letting agents with properties in the borough are being urged to check the new licensing requirements and apply online. If they have properties which are affected by the schemes, then they must apply for a licence.

Additional Licensing is a borough-wide scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) which do not already hold a mandatory licence and are occupied by three and four unrelated persons.

Selective Licensing in the Hastings and Lemyngton wards in Loughborough focuses on privately rented accommodation and aims to improve standards. Selective Licensing requires all landlords operating within the two wards to licence their property.

The new schemes will enable the Council to work with landlords to ensure their properties are suitable for tenants to live in and are being managed effectively.

The licence fee per application is £700 for five years which will be only used to cover the costs to run the licensing schemes.

Cllr Paul Mercer, the Council’s lead member for private housing said: “I would urge landlords to familiarise themselves with the licensing schemes to make sure they don’t fall foul of the new requirements.

“The changes mean more privately rented homes in the borough will need to be licensed and it is the duty of landlords to comply.

“A large number of landlords and letting agents operating in Charnwood are responsible, care about their tenants and manage their properties well.

“However, there are some properties which are not being managed appropriately and can impact the tenants and the local neighbourhood.

“We have invited landlords to join a virtual session to learn more about the schemes and find out more about the application process. There is still time for people to sign up for the session.”

The Council is committed to working with landlords to ensure they are aware of the schemes and understand what is expected of them. Ultimately, properties affected by the schemes must be licensed and if landlords do not apply for the required licence, the Council can take action including issuing fines of up to £30,000.

The Council can also act to enforce conditions of a licence associated with a property if they are breached.

A virtual landlords forum will take place via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, February 7 at 6pm.

New Chair formally takes the reins at East Midlands Chamber

Stuart Pearcey
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New Chair formally takes the reins at East Midlands Chamber
The new chair of East Midlands Chamber’s board of directors believes the region’s businesses will demonstrate their resilience despite the challenges 2023 will bring, Kevin Harris, Leicester office managing partner at audit, tax and consulting services firm RSM UK, took over from Ian Morgan as chair at the beginning of this month – a role he’d been waiting for as Chair Elect since last June. He was previously chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership for four years, and is a former president of the chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. He said: “Without doubt, this is going to be one of the most challenging years for East Midlands businesses. Many would be forgiven for being battle-weary as the cost-of-living crisis, and the impact of the pandemic and Ukraine war, are leaving deep imprints on the ability of local companies to survive and thrive. “But I have a huge amount of optimism in our business community. Despite the difficulties, they are showing their mettle and resilience in the face of adversity and getting on with what they do best, which is running their businesses in local, national and international markets. “However, they can’t do that in isolation, which is why taking up the mantle of chair for the Chamber in 2023 is a privilege with purpose. “Our region’s businesses need an environment in which to flourish, to invest in skills and capital, and boost productivity. “They are a vital part of the UK’s GDP and important for job and wealth creation. The levelling up and devolution agenda locally needs to remain high on the UK’s agenda, and my role will be to champion this and many other issues our local businesses need to succeed.” Ian Morgan, who is also the chairman of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and deputy chairman of transport company Wellglade Group, said: “It has been an immense honour and privilege to chair East Midlands Chamber for the past four years. It is the leading business representation organisation with over 4,000 members and some 12,000 businesses affiliated to it in one way or another. “Successfully guiding, advising and supporting the business community through Brexit, Covid-19 and the aftermath of both is the hallmark of the Chamber’s work, and I am proud to have played my part. “It has a well-motivated, dedicated team led by chief executive Scott Knowles, and a first-class senior management group together with an outstanding board of directors with whom it has been a pleasure to work. “In passing the baton on to Kevin Harris, I know the Chamber is in very good hands. Kevin is a long-standing board member, a recent past president and he is part of the organisation’s very DNA. The local business community could not have anyone more experienced or dedicated to the future of local business than Kevin and I wish him every success.”

Over half of businesses rate supply chains their top concern over next six months

Tess Egginton
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Over half of businesses rate supply chains their top concern over next six months
Global and domestic supply chain pressures outrank access to labour, rising interest rates and mounting costs as the top concern facing over half (54%) of mid-sized businesses over the next six months, according to latest research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. The bi-monthly survey – which looks at the challenges and opportunities facing mid-sized businesses – reveals the significant disruption UK businesses must confront, with a third (34%) experiencing delays due to complex customs regulations as a direct result of Brexit. The same number (34%) have seen the cost of goods sourced from the EU increase, while nearly a quarter (24%) have stopped sales to the EU completely. A rising number of COVID-19 cases and recent lockdowns in China have also caused delays for almost two in five businesses (37%). While supply chain disruption is the biggest challenge facing firms, increasing costs are also a cause for concern. One in three (34%) report that raw materials and goods have become more expensive. The cost of importing or transporting materials and goods has also climbed for 31% of mid-sized businesses, rising to 40% in the property and construction industries. Most alarmingly, a quarter (25%) of firms are unable to source the goods and materials they need. Faced with acute supply chain pressures and rising costs, businesses are taking action. Almost a quarter (23%) are onshoring their supply chain as they seek to reduce their dependence on importing goods or working with overseas suppliers. Even more (28%) are passing on rising costs to customers by increasing prices, with the same number planning to downsize their business to cut costs. With access to labour ranked the second greatest challenge facing mid-sized businesses, skills and remuneration have become a top priority. One in three (32%) are investing in upskilling or retraining staff to tackle the skills gap and workforce shortages. 29% are introducing more flexible working and 33% will increase pay this year, with 8% doing so in line with or above inflation. Meanwhile, 12% are providing separate or one-off payments aimed at supporting employees through the cost-of-living crisis. In the face of these challenges, businesses remain determined to drive growth. 36% are seeking new direct investment or equity financing for this reason, while nearly 39% expect to launch new products or services this year. Ed Dwan, partner at BDO, said: “Medium-sized businesses are battling rising costs, supply chain problems and difficulty accessing labour amid a nationwide skills shortage. Whilst they are striving to remain resilient, existing resources can only go so far to help drive growth or investment in skills and innovation. “These businesses are the engine of the UK’s economy and they should not be overlooked. Without the right support to help manage lingering labour and productivity challenges, they could see a knock-on impact on plans for improving productivity in the months ahead.”

Phenna Group strengthens cyber security offering with acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Phenna Group strengthens cyber security offering with acquisition
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which aims to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies that serve a variety of sectors, has acquired PKI Solutions. This acquisition adds new complementary services and strengthens Phenna’s Cyber Security offering, a key tenet of its future growth plans. Formed in 2014 and based out of Portland Oregon, USA, PKI Solutions is the world’s foremost cybersecurity specialists providing public key infrastructure (PKI) products, services, and training to give organizations confidence in their identity and encryption systems. PKI forms the basis of all modern authentication trust on the Internet and is a critical component underpinning security for the Internet of Things (IoT). For nearly a decade, PKI Solutions has partnered with organizations around the world to design, deploy, and operate their PKI. Mark B. Cooper, Managing Director at PKI Solutions, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Phenna Group, who share my high growth ambitions for the business. The continued focus on customer success, world-class delivery of consulting services, and the expansion of PKI Spotlight throughout the enterprise market were critical when finding the right partner for us to move forward. “Their unique, autonomous business model really resonated with me and from my first call with Paul and the Phenna team I was convinced they would be a great partner for PKI Solutions. I am excited and confident in the future opportunities as part of Phenna Group, to continue to expand our innovations, products, and services to our customers around the world.” Paul Barry, Group CEO of Phenna Group, said: “I am delighted that PKI Solutions will be joining Phenna Group to strengthen our presence in the Cyber Security market and extend our international presence. “Mark has been thoroughly professional to deal with throughout the process and I’m looking forward to welcoming him and his highly experienced team to Phenna Group. This deal adds new public key infrastructure (PKI) capability to our broader cyber offerings and gives us presence in the West Coast of the U.S., which I’m delighted about.” Phenna Group were advised by RSM UK Corporate Finance LLP, Avonhurst and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. PKI Solutions were advised by Paine Pacific LLC, Scarborough McNeese Oelke & Kilkenny PC, Stoel Rives LLP, and SNK Consulting PC.

Chesterfield firm advises banking regulator on sustainability

Tess Egginton
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Chesterfield firm advises banking regulator on sustainability
Chesterfield’s Green Arch Consulting is working alongside the Central Bank of Nigeria to help the organisation in its transition to a low carbon future. The business’s founder, Emma Knight-Strong is a registered expert on sustainable finance and Green Transitions through the UK Government’s “Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions” programme (UK PACT). Funded by the UK’s International Climate Finance, the UK PACT programme has provided funding for projects and skill-shares across three continents since 2018. In 2022, Green Arch Consulting undertook a review for the Central Bank of Nigeria to help them evolve the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles, which are a set of principles designed to accelerate the transition to a lower carbon, climate resilient economy. In January 2023, the business was commissioned to undertake further work to progress the update and evolution of these principles in line with international best practice. Emma Knight-Strong, who lives and works in Chesterfield, will be carrying out a series of virtual workshops with the Central Bank as well as external stakeholders within the Nigerian financial space. The results of the workshops will be fed into, and Green Arch Consulting will be advising on, the redrafting of the principles. Emma, founder of Green Arch Consulting, said: “Sustainability is increasingly an imperative for businesses to consider – this is driven by increasing regulations and policies driving in that direction, the very real physical impacts that climate change is having on businesses and their supply chains, as well as an overwhelming shift in public opinion on the topic. “The financial world is increasingly heavily regulated in this area, resulting in significant pressures on the businesses and assets that they finance to consider sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues in a way never before seen.”

Administrators are ‘thrilled’ as Stanton Bikes Limited avoids closure after the business and assets are successfully sold

Michael Fisher
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Administrators are ‘thrilled’ as Stanton Bikes Limited avoids closure after the business and assets are successfully sold
After entering administration on 11th November 2022, Derbyshire-based bicycle manufacturer and retailer Stanton Bikes Limited has sold its business and assets as a going concern to Stanton Bicycles Limited, a new company owned by Daniel Stanton. Stanton Bikes Limited is well-regarded both nationally and internationally within the biking industry for designing, manufacturing, and selling hardtail and full-suspension bicycle frames. The deal comes after Stanton Bikes Limited entered administration on 11th November 2022 after Dean Nelson and Nick Lee, Business Recovery and Insolvency Partners at PKF Smith Cooper, were appointed as Joint Administrators. Speaking on the sale, Dean Nelson, Business Recovery and Insolvency Partner at PKF Smith Cooper, stated: “We are pleased to announce that the business and assets of Stanton Bikes Limited have been sold and will now continue to trade. Since it opened in 2011, Stanton Bikes has continued to establish a global presence in the biking world. However, recent financial difficulties have left the business in a perilous position.” Dean added: “As the Joint Administrators, we always sought to sell the business as a going concern, so we are thrilled with this outcome protecting the brand, goodwill and employment. I am sure the revival of a household name like Stanton Bikes will be welcomed in Derbyshire and beyond.”

Phenna Group invests in RammSanderson

Tess Egginton
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0
Phenna Group invests in RammSanderson
RammSanderson has announced a strategic investment partnership with Phenna Group to help it achieve its next phase of growth. Since establishing in 2014 directors Oliver Ramm, Nick Sanderson and Anthony Mellor have grown the business to have over 50 staff and become a market leader in Ecology, Arboriculture and Flood Risk Assessments. Its client base is a range of public and private sector clients, including national infrastructure and large-scale housing and commercial developments. Headquartered in Nottingham, Phenna Group’s aim is to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC), and Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) companies that serve a variety of sectors, ensuring customers’ peace of mind by delivering first class assurance & consultancy services. This acquisition augments RammSanderson’s market-leading Built Environment and Infrastructure platforms and adds geographic and complementary services to its extensive service offering, whilst strengthening and adding greater organisational capacity to its wide range of environmental and consultancy services. Oliver, Nick and Anthony are excited to see the next growth phase of the business be realised with its new partner. “We’ve come a long way since establishing and are incredibly proud of and thankful for our team and reputation amongst our clients and peers. We have an exciting business plan for the next 5 years and have selected Phenna Group to partner with in order to support the three of us to spearhead this plan.” Paul Barry, CEO of Phenna Group, stated: “Since my first meeting with Oliver, Nick and Anthony, I’ve been very impressed with their ambitions for their business and I’m really excited the RammSanderson team will be joining Phenna Group. They are a very experienced group, and their range of services will be highly complementary to those currently offered from our Infrastructure Division. I’m really looking forward to working with Oliver, Nick, Anthony and the wider team.” Oliver, Anthony and Nick commented: “We are delighted to be joining Phenna Group and selected them as our partner due to their unique approach whereby our autonomy and identity are retained, whilst being a vehicle for our continued growth. “We have been talking to Paul and the Phenna team for some time and whilst this has been a big decision for us, we are very confident we have selected a great partner to support us in the next stages of our growth and development. They have been easy to deal with throughout the process, always acting with integrity and transparency. “Their operating model and culture will be a great fit for us and we are very excited about them supporting our growth journey. Our decision to partner with Phenna Group provides the Company and all of our team with exciting new opportunities for growth and development, whilst the company realises its full potential yet retains its identity, ethos and spirit.” Phenna Group were advised by Johnston Carmichael and Avonhurst. RammSanderson were advised by Smith Partnership and Cedar and Co.
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