New chairman and investor for Bis Henderson Group
Bis Henderson Group, the talent-to-solutions supply chain services company, has appointed Adrian Fawcett as chairman.
Adrian, who has also invested in the Northampton-based business, will join the board of directors to help the business accelerate through the next phase of its growth, as the company seeks to develop into the largest platform provider for warehouse space, consulting and recruitment services to the supply chain and logistics sector.
Adrian is also currently chairman of Park Holidays UK. The company has seen its fortunes grow during his tenure, through four PE sponsor transactions, from being a sub £15m company into the £1bn business it is today. A sale to Sun Communities of the USA has just been agreed.
His early career was spent at Bass Brewing where he helped build and sell the business and was instrumental in the creation of Tradeteam Exel distribution. He also led the growth of Punch Taverns, successfully floating the business as a 9,300 plus outlet, ftse 100 company.
In the healthcare sector he became CEO of BMI Healthcare, where he elevated the company to being the largest private UK healthcare system servicing the breadth of the UK. And as chairman of Silentnight Group Adrian has overseen a transformation of the company’s fortunes, taking it to a market leading position in the sleep category.
Andy Kaye, CEO of Bis Henderson Group, said: “Adrian brings a wealth of experience and a fantastic track record of working with teams to create some of the fastest growing, market leading and transactionally active companies in their sectors.
“The board and I welcome Adrian’s insight and energy in helping us build for the future and we look forward to working with him in what is planned to be an exciting chapter of growth and development for our business.”
Adrian Fawcett said: “Fast and efficient access to available warehouse space has become increasingly critical and relevant to the new, agile business models of today – and this is true across retail, manufacturing, distributors and supply chain service providers.
“The Brexit and Pandemic dislocations have created accelerated and unavoidable new requirements – meaning that Bis Henderson’s integrated solutions and services are increasingly vital for business success.”
South East Coalville development enters second phase with further plot sale to Bellway
Harworth Group plc, a regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has sold a 13.8-acre land parcel at its South East Coalville residential development to Bellway.
The land parcel will deliver 189 new homes and represents the first sale as part of the scheme’s second phase, which is focused on the Swinfen Vale area of the site.
South East Coalville is Harworth’s largest residential development in its Midlands region. The 250-acre site is situated just two miles from Junction 22 of the M1, and has an outline planning consent for the creation of a sustainable new community of more than 2,000 homes.
The development comprises two distinct areas: Hugglescote Grange to the north and Swinfen Vale to the south, both named after surrounding villages.
The first phase of South East Coalville began in 2020, with land sold to Redrow for the delivery of 204 homes and Bellway for 166 homes, following extensive infrastructure works carried out by Harworth. Construction has already begun on Bellway’s first parcel of land at the site at Hugglescote Grange.
Earlier this year, Harworth began enabling works for the second phase of the scheme. This will see the delivery of additional homes, a local centre with convenience retail, a new primary school and other civic amenities.
A focus on environmental protection and enhancement is integral to the masterplan for South East Coalville. The completed site will feature 15 acres of parkland and amenity space, in addition to a 23-acre riverside green corridor along the River Sence. Further design elements will include an innovative energy efficient specification for the new school, the translocation rather than removal of hedgerows, and the creation of an Open Mosaic Habitat to boost biodiversity.
Andrew Blackshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Harworth Group plc, said: “Earlier this year, Harworth unveiled an ambition to double the size of its business over the next five to seven years. One of the key drivers of this growth will be accelerating sales and broadening the range of our residential products.
“With the completion of three land parcel sales representing over 500 housing plots in the space of two years, South East Coalville underlines our ability to deliver on this strategy.”
David Cockroft, Regional Director – Midlands, Harworth Group plc, said: “Harworth’s second sale to Bellway at South East Coalville demonstrates the demand for our well-designed spaces where people want to live and work, and our position as a trusted partner to housebuilders.
“We look forward to working with our partners to deliver these new homes alongside further amenities, infrastructure and green space as part of South East Coalville’s exciting second phase.”
£2m to help improve businesses and skills in Derbyshire
Around £2 million has been given to projects to help boost businesses, create jobs and improve the career prospects of residents in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales following Derbyshire County Council’s bids for government cash.
Funding from the government’s UK Community Renewal Fund has been awarded to the following.
Better Futures project – £500,000
This pilot project will help unemployed people primarily in the Derbyshire Dales to improve their skills and find work locally. It will also help to improve the skills of residents who have recently found work, are at risk of unemployment, in part-time roles but wish to go full-time or are highly skilled but in low paid, low-skilled jobs.Derbyshire Accelerator project – £1.48 million
This will help fund initiatives in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales including:- DE-Carbonise – extra funding for this existing project to help more businesses to reduce their carbon emissions with grants of up to £8,000 to help businesses put carbon reduction recommendations in place
- Digital Market Town Accelerator – a project to help small to medium sized businesses to start trading online, with a digital advisor offering hands-on support and access to financial support, digital events and peer networks offering help and advice. Grants of up to £8,000 will be available to help businesses adopt new technology or business processes
- D2 starter programme – extra funding for this existing project, a mentoring and support network for new businesses with grants of up to £2,000 available to help them get started
- Kick-start accelerator – support the government’s existing Kickstart programme for apprentices by providing online training support as well as financial support to turn job placements into a permanent role or recruit graduates looking for work. Grants of up to £8,000 will be available to help businesses subsidise wages for a new Kickstart role or graduate
- upskilling the workforce – grants of up to £8,000 will be available to help businesses to provide specialist training to boost staff skills
- COVID support – funding of up to £2,000 for businesses in need of consultancy advice to address resilience or growth challenges in the wake of the pandemic
- funding for feasibility studies to look at the design and use of apps to support the development of leisure tourism across the Peak District
Loughborough graduate startup acquired by The Access Group
A telecare company founded by a Loughborough University graduate has become part of The Access Group, a leading provider of business management software to UK, Ireland and Asia Pacific mid-market organisations.
The acquisition of Alcuris provides the Access Group’s Health and Social Care business with new technology that allows a step change in social care. Both companies are based on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP). Alcuris launched from LUSEP in 2017, one year after Access joined – The Access Group recently officially opened its new £20 million headquarters on site.
Alex Nash founded Alcuris in 2015 whilst he was studying Product Design Engineering at Loughborough, following his grandfather’s diagnosis of dementia. The company has grown at pace, securing more than £3m investment to create 16 jobs and deploy at scale its multi-award-winning telecare platform.
Alcuris provides a combination of hardware and an in-home digital hub to provide daily living insights for users and carer management insight for families and the professional care community. The technology helps address a key gap within the current social care system caused by the absence of smart technology, and in doing so supports caregivers to take pre-emptive care action faster, whilst supporting the desire for people to live independently for longer.
Digital insight direct from in-home monitoring systems allows for the reduction and prevention of hospital admissions, helps support sustainable care delivery in the lowest cost setting i.e., the home and allows care providers to reach more residents than budgets will have previously allowed.
Steve Sawyer, Access Health and Social Care MD, said: “Alcuris, together with Access health and social care solutions, truly connects a fragmented market of hardware products and siloed patient and care monitoring.
“Furthermore, the in-home digital-hub technology helps local authorities, care homes and sheltered housing providers upgrade old analogue alarms and monitoring systems to new digital standards. In connecting and analysing data across our broad range of Access solutions we can provide detailed and integrated insights for the delivery of better patient and service user care.”
Alex Nash said: “The Alcuris team is thrilled to be joining The Access Group, whose Health and Social Care division is the leading provider to the local government, health and social care sectors in the UK.
“Earlier this month we announced our partnership with Medequip Assistive Technology Ltd and Wirral Council; the first local authority to deploy next generation telecare services at scale. As part of the Access family, we look forward to setting the standard in a digital care system that connects people, data and services and enables intelligent care decisions at the speed of life.”
Dr Jen Fensome, Loughborough University Director of Research and Enterprise and LUSEP lead, said: “Since its launch, Alcuris has shown outstanding potential and I am delighted that this has been recognised by The Access Group.
“The acquisition is excellent news for Alcuris, LUSEP, the regional economy and the transformation of social care. Furthermore, Alex Nash’s entrepreneurial journey will inspire even more startups from the University’s student and graduate enterprise community.”
Nottinghamshire halal baby food manufacturer secures £400k
Nottinghamshire-based halal baby food manufacturer, For Aisha Baby Foods (For Aisha), has received a £400,000 investment to develop new product ranges and meet overseas demand.
For Aisha received the funding from the D2N2-supported Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), provided by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). This follows on from an initial equity investment from the MEIF East & South East Midlands Equity Fund, managed by Foresight Group.
The company, which operates out of Edwalton, will use the funding to accelerate For Aisha’s expansion plans, initially recruiting a commercial director to develop its UK business as an immediate priority as well as to take the brand into new overseas markets, whilst the further additional two positions will strengthen the business as it grows.
The finance will also allow it to focus on increasing stock levels to meet current UK and overseas demand, whilst developing new products to add to their range.
For Aisha is currently the only major commercial certified brand of Halal and Tayyib baby food in the UK. Its main aim is to help infants to broaden their tastes when solids are introduced, with blended ingredients incorporating gentle spices. The business has won 20 national food awards, including the “Made for Mums” and “World Food Innovation” awards.
Joy Parkinson, executive chair of the business, said: “Thanks to The FSE Group for guiding us through the funding process. We are really looking forward to strengthening the team, building stock which will allow us to meet both our supermarket and online shop orders.
“The funding will also enable us to conduct research to develop exciting new recipes aimed at older toddlers. We are really looking forward to the range extension and getting more toddlers experiencing lots of different tastes from our selection of varied meals.”
Ann Marie McFadyen, investment manager at The FSE Group, which manages the MEIF Debt Finance Fund, added: “For Aisha is an established brand with a strong existing client base. The range is readily available in leading supermarket chains as well as directly from their website. The business has the capacity to ramp up the production of their products to meet the growing demand for their brand. We look forward to seeing the brand go from strength-to-strength.”
Will Morlidge, Interim Chief Executive at D2N2 LEP, said: “For Aisha is an amazing success story and a great example of an innovative firm investing in new product lines to support their growth ambitions. I’m delighted the Midland Engine Investment Fund is continuing to improve productivity and support job creation across the region.”
Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire fashion businesses offered support to overcome sustainability challenges
As consumer pressure grows for fashion brands to become more sustainable, clothing businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are being offered support to lessen the environmental impact of their products through a new programme run by Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University.
The Big House Sustainable Fashion Accelerator (SFA) programme will help small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) overcome the difficult technical and commercial challenges of adopting a sustainable strategy.
For many, the changes needed can be challenging, such as using different materials and manufacturing, dyeing and finishing techniques; reducing waste and transport; making products that are easier to recycle; and adopting leading edge technologies.
Lynn Oxborrow, Big House programme lead and Associate Professor in Small Business and Supply Chain Management at Nottingham Business School, said: “Ultimately the most effective way to reduce fashion’s environmental footprint is to make and sell less and provide items that consumers want to keep in use for longer – but commercially, this goes against the grain.
“Reducing the social impact of clothing could involve choosing responsible suppliers; investing in wages, training, working conditions and other benefits; and improving transparency across the supply chain. This can increase costs and reduce the flexibility that enables fashion to be fast and responsive.”
The SFA programme is designed to help SMEs to design and sell more sustainable fashion by sharing technical knowledge and expertise, promoting peer learning and innovative collaborations, and providing a test bed for SMEs in D2N2 to overcome some of the challenges they face.
Up to ten businesses will be supported in 2021 / 22 with access to a workshop programme on identified common themes, such as alternative materials or ways to market sustainable fashion; expert mentoring, networking and pitching opportunities with potential advisors, clients or investors. Participants will also be offered grants and access to student expertise and consultancy projects.
The SFA will launch with an event on Thursday 2 December from 9.30 to 12.30 with a keynote presentation from sustainable fashion expert, Charlotte Turner. Charlotte has supported international brands, retailers and manufacturers to set up and run responsible businesses with long-term sustainability strategies, create and sell high quality products and services in the most socially just and environmental ways possible, and communicate authentically about sustainability.
Through roles including head of Sustainable Fashion and Textiles at leading consultancy Eco-Age, and as a British Fashion Council mentor, she has supported numerous start-ups, SMEs and large-scale global brands, retailers and manufacturers to understand, manage and improve their social and environmental performance through training, developing and implementing long-term sustainability strategies, action plans and tools, and introducing alternative materials and processes to supply chains. She has then guided clients to transparently communicate these strategies and achievements with diverse audiences across multiple media platforms.
The online event will be fully interactive, with panel discussions, Q and A sessions and opportunities to get involved.
Dr Oxborrow added: “Small and new fashion businesses may lack the resources and impetus to change the whole supply chain, but they can be the source of amazing innovations that can lead to positive changes. But given the challenges they face, SMEs need a helping hand to enable them to find ways to make fashion more sustainable. The Sustainable Fashion Accelerator aims to provide that.”
The SFA builds on NTU’s active research in the area of sustainable fashion, including the Durability Dozen and clothing longevity research.
D2N2 LEP launches strategy on trade and investment
The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, in partnership with the Department for International Trade (DIT) has published a new report outlining how the region can build its competitiveness, drive productivity and create more jobs by increasing international trade.
D2N2 Global: International Trade Strategy sets out the region’s ambition to increase the percentage of D2N2 businesses that export goods and services. It identifies key strategic priorities and actions to ensure that the business community can become more confident and active in overseas markets.
It also identifies a range of emerging markets that D2N2 businesses can explore further. These market requirements match the strengths in the region. By connecting these strengths with potential growth markets the region can grasp the opportunities available through the UK’s new trading relationships and being at the forefront of ‘Global Britain’.
The report, which is funded by DIT has been developed to align with Government’s new Trade and Export strategy, Made in the UK, sold to the World.
Elizabeth Fagan, chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “In 2020, the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership launched its Recovery and Growth Strategy to ensure we build a stronger economy and deliver more investment and jobs.
“With our strategy in place, our strong partnerships and investments in skills, business support and innovation, we think now is a perfect time to look to the future and create more outward trade for our region.
“Our International Trade strategy sets out a clear evidence base on the challenges and the actions required to support our businesses to grow and create new export-oriented jobs for our region.”
Ian Harrison, head of export, DIT Midlands, said: “The D2N2 LEP’s International Trade strategy represents an innovative approach to aligning its priorities with this the strategic Global Britain vision to help achieve strategic international trade outcomes. We are particularly pleased to be support its launched during this inaugural International Trade Week.
“The support for the development of this strategy was enabled through DIT’s Levelling-Up funding for the Midlands and the regional team has worked in partnership with the LEP in developing their approach. DIT Midlands very much welcome the opportunity to continue to work closely with the LEP to assist with its implementation.”
The International Trade Strategy has been produced by Deyton Bell, independent economic development consultants working closely with key partners across the region.
Local community invited to explore Space Park Leicester
Space Park Leicester will open its doors to local residents, organisations, families and businesses at an informal event to celebrate its presence in the East Midlands taking place next week.
People are being asked to confirm their attendance at the open event taking place on Friday, 26 November: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/space-park-leicester-community-evening-tickets-207952610857.
Between 4:30pm and 7:15pm experts will be on hand to provide information about the research taking place and lead a tour of the £100 million building that is a research, innovation and teaching hub for space-related high-tech companies and researchers.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about Leicester’s role in the development of the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s largest and most powerful science telescope ever constructed which is set to launch in December.
Professor Richard Ambrosi, Professor of Space Instrumentation and Space Nuclear Power Systems in the University of Leicester’s School of Physics and Astronomy said: “We are delighted to be able to invite the local Leicester community to come and take a look around these fantastic facilities and learn about some of the exciting projects taking place here.
“We want to celebrate our growing presence not only in the city of Leicester but the region and UK as a whole, in doing so we want the local community to gain an understanding of the work going on here and learn about what Space Park Leicester has to offer.”
Earlier in the day, youngsters from local primary schools will have a tour of Space Park Leicester’s Second Phase, visiting the labs that will be used for satellite design and build.
Dr Susie Imber, Associate Professor in Space Physics will lead a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach workshop involving a water rocket experiment.
Tenants swoop to take up offices in refurbished landmark building
First tenants have taken up offices in a state-of-the-art business centre at a landmark building in Ilkeston that was transformed at a cost of almost £1m.
More businesses are queuing up to join them at Toll Bar House, close to the White Lion Square roundabout junction that is a gateway to the town centre.
So far more than half of the 27 fully-serviced office spaces have been signed up since the centre opened in September.
It is managed by enterprise agency Erewash Partnership on behalf of owners Erewash Borough Council.
The authority invested £425,000 in refurbishing and breathing new life into the building. This was matched by D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
A further £126,000 was secured by contractor J Tomlinson from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme aimed at helping local authorities with projects designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon output and lower energy bills. This took the total transformation cost to £976,000.
The fully-managed offices, ranging in size from 174-497 sq ft, are all broadband ready and individually key fob-secured for access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are available on easy-in, easy-out terms.
There are several meeting rooms and a bookable conference suite seating 18 people. All floors have their own kitchen areas and are DDA compliant, including lifts. There are showers, secure basement storage and 59 parking spaces, including some for people with disabilities.
First to move in was Hello People Solutions which switched from another Partnership-managed business centre in the town, The Old Police Station. The company deals with human resources issues for small businesses.
It has taken two offices for its three staff and hopes to recruit another member next year.
Owner Amanda Bayliss said: “I was attracted by the location just outside the town centre. These premises are modern, well-fitted out, have good security and a strong professional feel.”
Kym Ellington owns accounting brands in Ilkeston, Nottingham and Grantham. He is re-configuring offices and staff to accommodate for growth during the pandemic. This includes re-locating D&D Accountancy Services from Nottingham Road, Ilkeston and developing the K2 brand into Ilkeston including moving K2 Accountancy Group’s head office from Nottingham.
Initially 13 people will move into seven suites at the new centre plus outside garages.
Kym and several staff live in Ilkeston and he feels it is important that they should support the town and the business community.
“Toll Bar House is an iconic building in Ilkeston, well located, well re-appointed in its refurbishment and fits all our needs,” he said. “We found both Erewash Partnership and the council good partners to do business with.”
Paul Cobb, owner of five different companies, is moving six accounting and marketing staff from various factories in Ilkeston to Toll Bar House, which also frees up space in them.
“It’s a fantastic centre, close to our factories,” he said.
Partnership Chief Executive, Ian Viles, said: “We are proud that Toll Bar House is the third business centre we are now managing in Ilkeston, bringing jobs to the town. We are delighted at the early success in attracting tenants.”
JG Pears named Nottinghamshire Business of the Year at East Midlands Chamber Business Awards
JG Pears, a family business that has become one of the UK’s largest sustainable processors of animal by-products and food waste, has been crowned the Nottinghamshire Business of the Year by East Midlands Chamber.
The company, whose factory just outside Newark has been behind cutting-edge techniques that recycle resources otherwise destined for landfill and produce sustainable animal feed ingredients, also won the Environmental Impact Award at the Nottinghamshire Business Awards.
A key proponent of the circular economy – a resource management system that enables materials and products to be constantly reused so waste is minimised – JG Pears has also developed a net zero co-incineration plant powered by renewable biomass generated from animal by-products.
It is also a successful exporter, with its animal fats shipped globally to countries including the USA, South Africa, Vietnam, Chile and Myanmar, where they are used in pharmaceuticals, waxes and biodiesel, as well as high-quality, protein-rich feeds for the pet food and fish aquaculture markets.
The Nottinghamshire Business Awards, held in partnership with headline sponsor Mazars, recognised winners across 13 categories, ranging from Business Improvement Through Technology and Environmental Impact Award within an organisation to individual honours for Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. There were new categories this year for Collaboration Project of the Year and Excellence in Innovation.
Finalists, chosen by a judging panel of the Chamber’s senior leadership and board of directors, as well as sponsors, discovered their fate during a gala dinner attended by hundreds of people at Colwick Hall – marking a return for face-to-face celebrations after being held virtually last year.
Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “There has been so much to celebrate within our business community despite a challenging 18 months and these awards have showcased some of the incredible companies that call our region home.
“As the economic recovery continues, and opportunities present themselves in a new era of global trade and sustainable business, these are just the kinds of organisations we should be highlighting when we’re shouting about everything the East Midlands has to offer. We know it’s a great place to do business and they are living proof.
“We received so many high-calibre applications, which demonstrated how the pandemic hasn’t been a period in which we have just stood still. Instead, the time afforded for reflection has led to many companies seeking out new opportunities, innovating and driving themselves forward.
“While last year offered us a different kind of experience in a virtual awards ceremony, it was great to be back holding such a landmark event for the Nottinghamshire business calendar in person once more. Once again, we are so thankful to our sponsors for making this event so successful.”
The Nottinghamshire Business Awards – one of three awards hosted by the Chamber, along with Derbyshire and Leicestershire – were hosted by British-Gambian broadcast journalist Haddy Ndure and featured entertainment by Red Lane.
A raffle was held to raise funds for East Midlands Chamber president Eileen Richards MBE’s three chosen charities this year – Chesterfield Samaritans, Help the Homeless Leicester and Nottinghamshire Hospice.
Eileen, who owns Leicester-based ER Recruitment, gave a speech in which she spoke about the economic potential of the Broadmarsh and Island Quarter – two of the largest city centre regeneration sites in the UK – as well as the recently-reopened Nottingham Castle and ongoing project to repurpose the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station.
Commenting on the awards, she added: “During my year as president, I’ve been privileged to witness some of the amazing success stories that don’t always receive the wider recognition they ought to, so I’m thrilled to see some of these come to the fore at the Chamber’s Business Awards.
“The Nottinghamshire Business Awards has shone the spotlight on some well-deserving winners but I’d also like to congratulate the finalists for their outstanding entries too as we had some really strong competition across many categories this year.
“JG Pears is a very worthy winner of the Nottinghamshire Business of the Year and is playing a critically important role in promoting the circular economy to make its products sustainable and drastically reduce waste – an issue that has really come to the fore in recent weeks during COP26. It’s also a big exporter and exactly the type of company our region should get behind.”
