Proposals revealed to re-purpose historic Derby building
The former Bennetts department store building could be brought back to life as Manston Investments Ltd has submitted a Listed Building Application to Derby City Council.
Still remembered locally as “Bennetts” (which occupied the site since the 19th century), the property on 8-9 Irongate in the Cathedral Quarter of the City, has been empty since Bennetts went into administration in mid 2019, and then COVID hit.
Manston has been working with local architects JSA Design, local cost consultants Armsons Barlow, and Nottingham-based conservation architects Urban Fabric, to work up a scheme which will re-purpose the 29,000 sq ft part Listed building – previously occupied by a single user – to provide a range of different uses targeted more towards what is required in today’s City Centre.
Tom Boardman-Weston of Manston Investments said: “The scheme to bring this property back to life, has not been without its difficulties, both in respect of the structure itself, the Listed status of parts of the building and also the problems of deferring site meetings during COVID lockdowns: and we still have a long way to go, but we are heartened by the very positive feedback we have been getting to our proposals.”
The submitted proposals involve the partial demolition of some of the rear – more modern – parts of the building to create a whole new entrance to the upper floors and a servicing area for two smaller retail / leisure / food & beverage uses fronting Irongate. The remaining unit at the rear and the first floor will be converted to high end office accommodation. The plans also show the top floors being converted to provide 8 residential units.
Mr. Boardman-Weston added: “Having originally bought the property as an investment in better times, we have ‘skin in the game’ to work towards improving this part of the City with our scheme, and thereby hopefully encouraging the re-use of other buildings in the Cathedral Quarter.
“We are keen to play our part in the resurgence of Derby City Centre, and projects such as Becketwell, the refurbished Market Hall, Derbion’s proposals for the Eagle Centre and Bradshaw Way Retail Park, and the redevelopment of The Assembly Rooms are all helping to move the City Centre in the right direction.”
How will you match up when it comes to getting a media date this Valentine’s Day? By Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Roses are red
Violets are green
Trust me on this
If you haven’t seen
The effect of ammonia
On this lovely flower
But note how my plot twist
Delivers the power
To grab your attention
And read more not less
Now apply that same rule
When you’re pitching the press
You’ve got to remember
They get hundreds a week
So do make the effort
Or hire a word geek.
GS.
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, helps you find your media match. Isn’t it funny, or perhaps even tragic, that the way we tend to communicate in our marketing is so, deadly dull!? We play very, VERY safe, lest we upset the delicate balance of “will they like me/loathe me.” The problem is we actually end up saying very little at all and doing NOTHING to separate ourselves from the hundreds of other emails and missives flying around. Now, you don’t have to be HILARIOUS and off-the-wall, indeed for many businesses, it would be in pretty poor taste to suddenly lift out the dusty old ‘Bantersaurus’ from the library shelves or to attempt to resurrect the ghost of Spike Milligan in your next tender submission. However, there is always room for improvement and for differentiation. Especially when it comes to pitching the media. As you probably know by now, I used to be a business journalist so you’d expect I have the inside track and I can speak ‘journalese’. Well, yes but the main thing is, I know how NOT to sound like I’m making a pitch when I’m BLATANTLY making a pitch. You need to remember, PR is public RELATIONS and the bit when you have to communicate with a dreaded journo is Media RELATIONS. So, what you need to start to build (and then maintain) is a RELATIONSHIP. That means give and take. It means being helpful, being useful, being thoughtful. It also involves being attractive BUT that doesn’t mean we need to be sending carefully airbrushed selfies. It means finding what works for them, what floats their boats. Imagine it like internet dating. You need to start by knowing who you are trying to attract (do they influence your market). What are they interested in (what do they write about)? Does that match with you (honestly! If you’re NOT what you claim to be in real life, don’t fib)? How might a ‘date’ with you (useful content) actually help them? This is the research side of the media dating landscape. I’d highly recommend Twitter for this. Let’s pretend that you’ve found your perfect match or indeed, matches. Hey, nobody said anything about exclusives yet right?! How will you pitch them? You need to stand out and you need to consider what they are looking for. Let’s go old skool here and back to the Lonely Hearts Club ads of yesteryear. We need to be adding VALUE so we need to be responding to their needs, not making our marketing moves on them! Here’s what some might be thinking: Finance reporter with freelance roles across several national titles seeks reliable expert to explain what the rise in house prices means for mortgage holders. Must be prompt, not pitchy and able to respond within 48 hours’ notice to request for a ‘date’, typically after the Halifax pipes up with latest results. Or… Lifestyle reporter on daily tabloid seeks top tips to help you get into shape for summer. Brevity preferred. Gifts and trials of equipment and training programmes most welcome. Or… Interiors feature writer on national broadsheet supplement seeks inspiring case studies and trends tips for 2023. Must have visual appeal, no grainy phone snaps taken years ago that no longer look like you say they do. Do you see how they think? All you have to do now is to perfect your pitch to them based on what THEY want. Imagine having the power that Mel Gibson snaffles in ‘What Women Want’. He is speaking the language that resonates, but most importantly of all he is LISTENING. The good news is you don’t need a bolt of lightning, you just need to do some groundwork. I suggest your dating site of choice to start attracting your dream journo is Twitter. A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective. See this column in the February edition of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.Lincolnshire employers offered grants to aid numeracy training
Employers in Lincolnshire can apply for a £1,000 grant to support numeracy development and become a Lincolnshire Multiply Champion.
Multiply is a government-funded programme to help adults over 19 years old to improve maths skills, which are critical to personal wellbeing and business growth.
Free, flexible courses, personal tutoring and digital training are available, with countywide tutors ready and willing to support learners.
The grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis, and could be spent by employers on piloting innovative approaches to learning maths in the workplace, or dedicating staff time to encouraging numeracy progression. Community groups may come up with ways to support their wider community in taking up Multiply courses.
Executive councillor for adult learning at the county council, Cllr Patricia Bradwell, said: “A Lincolnshire Multiply Champion is an organisation or group that recognises the importance of Maths, and its application at work, and in everyday life. We can’t wait to see what innovative approaches our county organisations come up with to encourage and support people to achieve better numeracy skills through Multiply.”
Eligible applications that meet the minimum criteria will be awarded grant on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.
For further information including how to apply, please go to: https://2aspire.org.uk/home/multiply/lincolnshiremultiplychampions/
Skills boost on the horizon for East Midlands SMES in 2023
A new poll of SMEs across the East Midlands reveals – while 2023 may be a challenging year – they still expect on average a 21% growth in revenue.
The Skills Horizon barometer, launched by the Skills for Life campaign, asked 1,250 SMEs in England about their challenges and opportunities when it comes to skills and recruitment in the year ahead, and has found many are exploring the best ways to strengthen their workforce to achieve this growth.
In the East Midlands specifically, it reveals 69% are planning to invest in upskilling their workforce, bolstering their capabilities for the year ahead.
The Skills for Life campaign aims to help SMEs understand all the training and employment schemes available to them, including Apprenticeships, T Levels, Skills Bootcamps, HTQs and Multiply numeracy courses. Businesses who are considering hiring employees can access a range of government programmes offering work experience or upskilling existing staff, some of which offer financial incentives.
This moment in the campaign follows last week’s National Apprenticeship Week, dedicated to celebrating apprenticeships and the newer introduction of T Levels to highlight their positive impact on communities, businesses, and the wider economy.
Nearly half (45%) of SMEs in the East Midlands rank staffing challenges – such as recruitment and skills – amongst their top three concerns for 2023. However, over a quarter (27%) plan to invest in building digital skills within their company and nearly a third (31%) will encourage staff to engage in current or free training resources – such as Skills for Life Bootcamps.
Many SMEs in the East Midlands are hoping this will help them tackle the challenges they face with recruitment and staffing in 2023, as they cite their top recruitment and staffing concern as retaining staff (50%). Over a quarter (27%) are seeking to hire from broad education routes such as apprentices and T Levels students.
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said: “Boosting skills in key sectors like digital, manufacturing and healthcare is essential to building a skills nation and the government is investing in resources and skills qualifications – spending over £3.8bn this Parliament.
“This investment is being recognised by SMEs who are planning to invest in upskilling their workforce this year, and I would encourage businesses of all sizes follow suit.
“Whether it’s through apprenticeships, T Levels or courses in essential numeracy and literacy skills, there are free and flexible ways for employers to tap into the highly skilled workforce they need to thrive.”
Daniel Lewin of Lewin Electrical Services in Leicester, East Midlands says: “We have found working with T Level Students or entry level employees gives you a chance to work closely with them – teaching them the trade as well as the business as they are the future of the industry and trade.”
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.”
