Chesterfield manufacturer works with chocolatier to produce festive range for John Lewis

Robinson, a Chesterfield-based manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging, has teamed up with Holdsworth Chocolates to create a Christmas confectionery range for John Lewis. The bespoke festive range includes a selection of 100% recyclable rigid boxes, sleeves and treat bags printed in a six-colour design and foil blocked on gold. Robinson produced the 200g and 400g box and lid on a recently acquired rigid box line. The new equipment – SATE machinery – is based at the site in Chesterfield and offers huge advantages in terms of production and quality of the finished product with savings on fixed production costs, consistency and reliability, and ease of use and maintenance. Jon Walker, new business development manager at Robinson, said: “Producing high quality, creative, engaging packaging for brands and retailers at an affordable price is key. Being an independent company means that we can be flexible to the needs of Holdsworth. We turned around production from design to delivery in just 3-4 weeks.” David Sharples, Managing Director at Holdsworth Chocolates, said: “Whenever we produce packaging, including for special celebrations such as Christmas, we aim to make sure all the materials we use are sustainable and can be recycled. “Sustainable packaging is a collective goal for both Robinson and Holdsworth. Our brand was developed on a passion for creating beautiful hand-crafted chocolates, using the finest of everything, that’s why it is so important that we invest in high quality sustainable packaging that reflects our values too. “The packaging has been printed using six colours and is completed with foil blocking; the perfect finishing touch to add a stunning and luxurious feel to the design. As the Christmas packaging was only needed in limited quantity, Robinson provided a small bespoke run for Holdsworth’s needs, making them the perfect packaging partner. “The breadth of the Holdsworth chocolate range of products means we have a requirement for a wide spectrum of packaging solutions, whether that be rigid boxes and lids, folding cartons or our unique clam shell gift boxes. With Robinson, we have found a partner in whom we can place an absolute trust; not only in reacting quickly to demand but also in helping us to create beautiful, sustainable packaging that perfectly complements our core values as a British business of excellence and quality.”

More than 10,000 illegal cigarettes seized in Grantham shop raids

Joint agency raids on two premises in Grantham have led to more than 10,000 illegal cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, 350 illegal vapes and cash seized.
Many of the contraband items had been hidden in elaborate ‘hides’ within one shop. The raids were carried out by Lincolnshire Trading Standards, Lincolnshire Police’s licensing team and Grantham’s neighbourhood policing team. At 28 Westgate, known as The Local Store, illegal goods were found hidden in three separate locations – in a hide behind a bathroom mirror, in an electrically operated magnetic lock beneath the counter, and under the counter floor. At ‘Baltic’ located at 16 Westgate, approximately 3,000 illegal cigarettes and 100 illegal vapes were found – mainly in the rear storeroom. The operation was a result of community and police intelligence, and behind-the-scenes work by the Licencing Team, which is a partnership between Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire County Council. PC Mark Barr, Community Beat Manager for the Grantham Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “We know that the sale of illegal goods like this is linked to youth anti-social-behaviour (ASB) as well as organised crime. “Disrupting that activity through raids at stores where we think there may be counterfeit goods puts an almighty dent in the profits of criminal gangs. Make no mistake, these stores can make up to £50,000 a week, so the profits involved in selling what is an illegal and often dangerous product are quite staggering. “This latest activity shows that we won’t tolerate this, and we will take action. We would encourage our community to continue to come forward with intelligence which can help us stamp out the sale and trade of counterfeit goods.” Principal Lincolnshire Trading Standards officer, Andy Wright, said: “This is another excellent example of the partnership work between Trading Standards, Police Licensing and Police Neighbour Teams. Many of the cigarettes seized were counterfeit, and many don’t include vital safety features which allow them to self-extinguish when not being smoked, making them a huge fire safety risk. “The complexity of the hides – both using electro-magnetic locks – in use in the second shop show that this was a professional enterprise with the specific objective of selling illegal cigarettes. “Increasingly, we are finding shops selling illegal cigarettes also sell illegal vapes. Some of the illegal vapes seized contained way over the legal limit of nicotine, with some having the same nicotine content as 150 cigarettes. “By tackling and removing shops selling illegal cigarettes, we’ve seen it can result in a huge reduction in general crime and anti-social behaviour in an area. We are aware of the concerns of local residents in those areas and, with help from our partner agencies, we are doing all that we can to help improve the quality of life in these communities.”

Duo of Derbyshire businesses partner on skills to promote growth and apprenticeships

Two Derbyshire-based businesses are partnering together to promote growth and employment opportunities for young people wishing to pursue an apprenticeship. The two companies are marketing agency Purpose Media and apprenticeship providers EMA Training. Purpose Media has been using EMA Training for many years to meet their needs for IT and digital marketing apprentices and the latest partnership will see them combine skills to enable EMA to promote apprenticeship opportunities to the wider East Midlands market. EMA Training’s Chief Executive Officer, Tracey Mosley, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of our new website ematraining.co.uk, in partnership with Purpose Media. As an East Midlands apprenticeship training provider, we work closely with local employers to ensure career employment opportunities are accessible. “This would not be possible without the support of employers such as Purpose Media who, as one of our employer clients, provide guidance, employment, and progression opportunities to those starting their careers.” Chloé Farmer, head of marketing, said: “Our new, innovative website aims to inspire and guide school leavers, young professionals, parents, and employers. Purpose Media has provided us with an accessible and appealing platform to attract, inform and educate them of the benefits of apprenticeships. Even today we find that many people do not fully understand apprenticeships and our website aims to dispel the myths. “We believe in supporting apprentices to develop their careers at any given opportunity; EMA’s marketing assistant, Jess Tracey, has project managed the website from an EMA Training perspective as part of her Level 4 Marketing Executive apprenticeship, which has been fantastic for her career development!” Grace Golden, head of client growth from Purpose Media, said: “Over our 14-year company history, Purpose Media has a long track record of nurturing apprentices, in fact many are now in senior management roles. “Co-incidentally, Ruby Birks, who has project managed the work for EMA training is a former apprentice who has recently won two apprentice of the year awards, so this shows how beneficial apprenticeships can be in kickstarting a career journey. We are delighted to be partnering further with EMA to create more employment opportunities for young people.”

Two Leicestershire company directors banned for 19 years following Bounce Back Loan abuse

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Restaurant and fashion bosses in Leicestershire have been banned for misconduct including Bounce Back Loan abuse and failing to keep company books and records. Savio Gilbert Pereira, 46, and Sajid Anver Valimohammed, 37, have been disqualified as company directors for a total of 19 years following separate Insolvency Service investigations which uncovered financial misconduct. Pereira, of Market Harborough, was sole director of Himalayan Zest Takeaway Limited, which was incorporated in April 2018 and traded as Himalayan Zest on Market Street in Lutterworth until it went into liquidation in November 2021. In June 2020, Pereira applied for a Bounce Back Loan on behalf of Himalayan Zest. Bounce Back Loans were government-backed loans designed to help businesses stay afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the rules of the scheme, companies could apply for loans of between £2,000 and £50,000, up to a maximum of 25% of their turnover for 2019. Pereira stated that Himalayan Zest’s turnover was around £207,500, which allowed the restaurant to receive the maximum £50,000 loan. When the business went into liquidation the following year owing around £51,500, it triggered an investigation by the Insolvency Service which found that Pereira had exaggerated Himalayan Zest’s turnover in order to falsely claim the loan. Investigators discovered that the company only had around £54,600 in its bank account following receipt of the Bounce Back Loan, and between June and August that year, Pereira had made a £10,000 payment to himself, £28,000 in various debit payments to an unknown recipient and had withdrawn a total of £16,800 in cash. Pereira was unable to prove that these transactions were for the economic support of the restaurant. A second director, Sajid Anver Valimohammed, of Leicester, was director of J Dee Designs Ltd, which was incorporated in July 2019 and traded as a fashionwear finisher from Upper Charnwood Street in Leicester until it went into liquidation in December 2020. But Valimohammed had failed to keep business accounts and records – a legal requirement of company directors – and was unable to hand them over to the company’s liquidators, which led to an investigation by the Insolvency Service. Investigators discovered that Valimohammed had withdrawn more than £286,000 from the company bank account through 199 separate transfers with the reference ‘Mrref Self FT’ during the time J Dee Design was in business. They found that around £315,300 was withdrawn from J Dee Design’s bank account during the period – including £30,000 from a Bounce Back Loan that the company had applied for – but Valimohammed could not prove that the transactions were for legitimate trading activity, or whether the loan money had been used for the benefit of the company. And due to his failure to keep company accounts, investigators were also unable to verify whether J Dee Designs had paid the correct amount of tax it owed, or to ascertain the true financial position of the company when it went into liquidation, including whether liquidators would be able to make any recovery of debts. Valimohammed did not contest the disqualification order at court and was banned from being a director for 8 years on 9 November this year. His ban began on 30 November and the court also awarded full costs to the Insolvency Service. Separately, the Secretary of State accepted a disqualification undertaking from Savio Pereira in October, after he did not dispute that he had caused his restaurant to falsely apply for a Bounce Back Loan of £50,000, and had failed to use the money for the economic benefit of the company. Pereira’s disqualification started on 15 November this year and lasts for 11 years. The bans prevent the two directors from directly or indirectly becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court. Dave Elliott, Chief Examiner at The Insolvency Service, said: “The Insolvency Service takes Bounce Back Loan abuse and the failure to keep, preserve and deliver up books and records very seriously. “The length of these directors’ bans reflects the gravity of their misconduct, and should serve as a warning to others.”

Nottingham apartments scheme sold to specialist retirement living developer

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Commercial developer, Peveril Securities and senior living developer, Charterpoint have sold a site in Beeston, Nottingham, to specialist retirement living developer Churchill Retirement Living.

Earlier this year, the site received full planning permission for a development of 51 retirement living apartments from Broxtowe Borough Council.

Situated on a mixed-use site, on land previously occupied by the former Myford Works, the scheme off Chilwell Road will feature one and two-bed apartments, plus communal owners’ lounge and coffee bar, along with a guest suite and a lodge manager.

The apartments are part of a wider development on the site which also includes Myford Court, a new development of penthouses and apartments by Peveril Homes, a Central England Co-op store, which opened in May 2020, and a 66-bed care home to be operated by Tanglewood Care Services.

This scheme will mark the completion of the 4.5-acre brownfield regeneration site.

James Smith of Peveril Securities said: “Once complete, this superb scheme will create a modern community in a prime location just a few hundred metres from Beeston town centre. Residents will also have excellent transport links and access to an abundance of amenities, as the site is close to a tram stop.”

Charterpoint CEO Adrian Goose said: “We are delighted to have sold this site to Churchill Retirement Living who will now take it forward to create a high quality new independent and activity retirement development close to shops, transport links, leisure facilities and other amenities.

“This is the final part of a visionary place-making scheme that has breathed new life into the area, and we are very pleased to have created such an attractive and popular mixed-use scheme so close to Beeston town centre.”

Churchill’s Regional Managing Director Robert Monkman added: “We’re looking forward to starting work on this new development, which will create a vibrant new community in the heart of Beeston.

“Retirement housing is the most effective form of residential development for generating local economic growth, supporting local jobs, and increasing high street spend. Our new apartments will also help improve the health and wellbeing of those who live there, and meet the housing needs of many older people in Beeston and the surrounding area.

“We are actively looking for more new sites like this to bring much needed retirement housing to the wider Midlands region.”

DMU wins funding to help businesses turn ideas into reality

Academics will be working with a range of companies on a new series of short-term projects designed to get innovative ideas off the drawing board and into reality. De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has won funding for five projects as part of the Government’s new £3m Accelerated Knowledge Transfer to Innovate programme. It was launched earlier this year to deliver short, fast and targeted projects that can make significant impact for a business. DMU won funding for all five applications it made, led by the university’s knowledge exchange team of Dr Rhianna Briars and Darsh Chauhan, working with academics across the university. DMU was awarded more than £143,000. Each project has a maximum funding amount of £35,000 and runs between two and four months. Dr Briars said: “DMU is always looking to collaborate with local businesses and SMEs to match our areas of expertise with companies in a way that adds real value to the region’s economy. “We have been delighted with the response from businesses and our academics, and to have all five projects win funding is a great result.” The projects which have won funding are:
  • Designing new technology to support Deaf dancers and choreographers to create new work, with Serendipity Arts – Professor Tracy Harwood and Dr Dave Paggett
  • Designing new software for finance firm Spitfire Analytics to help save customers time and money – Dr Graeme Stuart
  • Helping predict the strength of 3D printed components using a machine learning model – Dr Reza Baserinia and Gamlen Tableting Ltd
  • Testing and creating more efficient furnaces that give a more predictable performance – Dr Abolfazi Zahedi and Dr Meisam Abdi, and Vacuum and Atmosphere Services
  • Creating a database and search system to promote films in all languages – Dr Hiu Man Chan and Trinity Filmed Entertainment
Professor Harwood has worked with Serendipity for many years, including supporting the company with a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, which helped it to develop its range of digital products. The company stages culturally diverse productions, champions Black artists and is a part of the region’s National Portfolio, funded by Arts Council England. She said: “The project we have developed is a fascinating opportunity to bring together creative technologies researchers with a local business that is really pushing the boundaries in how it supports creative communities with diverse needs. I love how our collaboration creates a space for innovation as well as gives us new challenges in the process.”

WestBridge Group acquires 3,500 strong SSAS book from Rowanmoor Executive Pensions

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Leicester-based WestBridge Group (WestBridge), one of the UK’s leading SSAS administrators and tax experts, has continued its expansion plans with the acquisition of the employees, clients, and assets of Rowanmoor Executive Pensions Limited’s (REPL) book of 3,500 small self-administered schemes (SSAS), for an undisclosed sum. This is the second major acquisition by WestBridge and follows the purchase of the James Hay SSAS book in March 2021. The acquisition will see WestBridge add over 3,500 SSAS to its existing book of 1,000 plans. Completion is scheduled for the end of January when WestBridge will take over the duties and responsibilities of REPL. All 97 staff will be retained and continue to operate from the current offices in Bolton and Salisbury. The acquisition will include REPL’s actuarial team which will add to the professional services offered by WestBridge. The Group recently moved to a new HQ in Leicester on Meridian Business Park. Tom Moore, chairman of WestBridge Group, said: “We have made no secret that we are acquisitive for the right books of business and have shown how we can successfully integrate them into the WestBridge Group. This is another exciting opportunity for us to bring together the combined expertise of SSAS professionals from both firms to create a hub of SSAS excellence. We look forward to welcoming the team to the WestBridge Group and getting to know them all. “REPL is an established business benefiting from strong management and a depth of resources. We look forward to meeting their clients and intermediary partners to reaffirm our commitment to dedicated account manager driven SSAS administration.” Paul Downing of Rowanmoor Executive Pensions Limited said: “As a leading SSAS administrator, we received a number of expressions of interest in acquiring our business and client book. The board is delighted to have found the right home for our staff, assets under administration, and importantly our customers who will receive the benefit of continuity in service as WestBridge takes the helm.” WestBridge Group have also announced that the acquisition will see them rebrand the enlarged business in Q1 2023, recognising the growth and future of the firm.

Digital disruption expert joins Browne Jacobson

Law firm Browne Jacobson, which has offices in Nottingham, has appointed digital disruption legal expert Mike Rebeiro as strategic advisor to its UK & Ireland (UK&I) IP and Technology team. Mike who was the former Global Head of technology and Innovation at Norton Rose Fulbright, is a highly experienced senior business, technology and digital lawyer that has had extensive Chair and Board experience. Mike has 28 years’ experience advising British and international corporates on the regulatory and ethical implications of the use of new digital and disruptive technologies including, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IOT), robotics and digital assets. Prior to joining Browne Jacobson, Mike has also held roles at Slaughter & May and Macfarlanes. Mike’s role will see him work closely with partner Declan Cushley, who leads the firm’s strategy for the corporate sector, and partner and head of Browne Jacobson’s Digital and Outsourcing practice, Anthony Nagle, in driving forward the firm’s digital disruption strategy which is a key strand of the firm’s overall vision for growth. Speaking on the appointment, Declan Cushley, said: “Mike has strong international links, which following our investment into Dublin presents an excellent opportunity to enhance our offering to clients who do substantial business globally and reach new target clients in the EEA and the US. “Mike will also be imperative in helping to build the bridge between our UK&I based commercial teams that are focused on digital disruption and support them to give clients a seamless service across both jurisdictions. We are thrilled to have Mike on board to help further shape our firm ambitions around digital disruption.” Anthony Nagle added: “Our clients are continuously being challenged by new technologies and business models and how they are disrupting the markets and industries they operate in. They are having to think creatively on how to adapt to these changes. We want to encourage our clients to embrace these disruptions and connect them to the many benefits and opportunities for growth that they offer.” Mike said: “Browne Jacobson has clear ambitions to be even more connected to the critical issues facing its clients, including how digital disruptive technologies are impacting their Environmental, Social and Governance agendas. Browne Jacobson is at the forefront of advising clients on the intersection of their ESG ambitions and digital disruption and the wider impact that it can have on society – this is what puts them ahead of other law firms. “I am pleased to become part of its digital offering and those aspirations, and to help see the bigger picture between the firm’s London, Dublin and wider international networks.”

New ‘Green Heart’ to take shape in 2023 following year of progress for Nottingham’s Broad Marsh

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Work starts next year on the creation of a new ‘Green Heart’ in Nottingham city centre as part of the ongoing regeneration of the Broad Marsh area, which has seen a huge transformation in 2022. The Green Heart is the centrepiece of Nottingham City Council’s vision for Broad Marsh, created with the Greater Broad Marsh Advisory Group and world renowned designer Thomas Heatherwick, which was unveiled a year ago. The first phase of the Green Heart will see an area the size of the pitch at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground located between Collin Street and Lister Gate – previously part of the old Broad Marsh shopping centre – covered in trees and planting, creating a natural, tranquil green space with pathways between Nottingham Station and Old Market Square. One of the features of the Green Heart is what is believed to be the longest bench in the UK stretching across the space allowing people to linger and enjoy the environment. Major progress has been made in the ongoing transformation of Broad Marsh over the last 12 months. The demolition of the west side of the shopping centre building with funding secured from D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership, via the Government’s Getting Building Fund, has made space for the new Green Heart and enabled a new pedestrian Right of Way to be created across the site. This has provided uninterrupted open air access between the Southside of the city into the city centre for the first time since the Broadmarsh centre was built nearly half a century ago. Other key developments in 2022 include:
  • Work starting on the fit-out of a state-of-the-art new Central Library
  • The opening of the new Bus Station
  • The creation of new public space and public art around Sussex Street and Carrington Street
  • Progress on a detailed business case for the wider redevelopment of Broad Marsh
  • Submission of a bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for developing the Frame as a key element of the Broad Marsh vision
  • Submission of an Investment Zone ‘expression of interest’ application.
In addition to work starting on the new Green Heart, 2023 will be another year of significant progress for Broad Marsh.
  • The new Central Library is expected to be completed and ready to open later in 2023.
  • A unique new Skateable Space is being created as part of the public realm works on Sussex Street, underlining Nottingham’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading cities for skateboarding.
  • A major new study into rejuvenating the unique cave network underneath Broad Marsh is to be published by the University of Nottingham.
  • Further work on the wider Master Plan and detailed business case for the Broad Marsh redevelopment.
  • ‘Meanwhile use’ opportunities will be progressed while the long term development plans are being finalised.
Cllr David Mellen, the leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “The ongoing transformation of Broad Marsh and the wider south side of the city over the last year has been a real positive for the city. The new green public spaces around the new Nottingham College building, along with recently opened bus station and new car park, which is proving so popular, have made a huge difference to the area. “The opening of the new Central Library next year and the first phase of work to create the Green Heart will be further major milestones in the regeneration of what is such an important gateway to the city centre. “The Green Heart is one of the key elements of the long term vision we unveiled last year and something there was huge support for among the thousands of responses we received as part of the council’s Big Conversation about Broad Marsh. “There is more work to be done to move forward with the wider vision but it’s great to see major progress being made on the ground.” Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, said: “The world has fundamentally changed and city centres can’t just be about retail and shopping any more. They have to become amazing social spaces and bring nature back into, onto and around the buildings. Nottingham is at the forefront of this movement and doing it with a whole lot of bravery and creativity. We are proud to be on the journey with you.”

2023 Business Predictions: Simon Rice, founder and Managing Director of HSG

It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Simon Rice, the founder and Managing Director of Derby-based washroom water conservation specialists HSG. Environmental sustainability and the cost of living crisis continue to share the headlines so I hope that 2023 brings a greater acceptance of how businesses can embrace technology that has a positive impact on both the earth’s precious resources and the corporate balance sheet. Most people are not aware that the majority of fresh drinking water that is used in a commercial premises goes through the urinals. Most urinals flush four times per hour – so every 15 minutes, even at night when the building is empty, resulting in a mammoth 96 flushes per day. Our Ureco water conservation system enables businesses to drastically reduce the amount of fresh drinking water flushed down the drain and saves them money on water and maintenance bills. In addition to the water and cost savings, the patented Ureco technology stops unpleasant smells and blockages which, in turn, negates the need for harsh chemicals being poured in the drainage system and sewerage system. It’s often the simplest ideas that have the greatest impact so I hope this is the year that business owners open their minds to the part they can play in reducing their carbon footprint for good of the environment and their own financial health.