East Midlands commercial vehicle company secures £7.5m for fleet expansion
An East Midlands commercial vehicle rental company has secured a £7.5m asset finance loan from HSBC UK to help purchase a new fleet of 200 trucks, as demand for vehicles in the supply chain soars. The investment will create 20 full-time jobs across the East Midlands.
With operating depots in Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham, Alltruck provides contract hire and rental vehicle services to over 250 SMEs across the UK. The company has used the funding to increase its fleet of commercial vehicles – which ranges from 3.5 tonne vans to 44 tonne tractor units – from 2,000 to 2,200 to help meet an increase in demand from its customers.
As part of the company’s ‘Journey to Zero’ initiative, the new investment includes 10 fully-electric vans which will enable Alltruck and its customers to become more eco-friendly. As well as creating 20 new jobs, the company hopes its expanded vehicle capacity will increase annual turnover by 10 per cent.
Paul Robinson, Managing Director of Alltruck, said: “We pride ourselves on having the trucks our customers need, when they need it – and it’s crucial we continue to support customers during this period of sustained pressure facing UK supply chains.”
Simon Woods, relationship director East Midlands corporate banking, HSBC UK, said: “This deal gives Alltruck the funding to realise its own growth ambitions, which include becoming more eco-friendly as well as playing an important role in boosting supply chain capacity. We were pleased to support Paul and the team and look forward to working with them closely as they continue to grow the business.”
Capital One submits plans for roof terrace at Nottingham HQ
Plans from Capital One to convert the existing flat roof areas of its HQ at Trent House, on Station Street, have been submitted to Nottingham City Council.
The credit card provider wants to create a new roof terrace space for employees as it looks to “introduce high quality external areas to supplement the internal spaces, bringing the benefits of wellbeing associated with landscaping and the outdoors,” according to a design statement.
A green wall would also be incorporated and the firm is looking to complete remodelling internally to provide conference space.
The project aims to provide:
• New open air hospitality/events areas on existing rooftop areas
• Covered events terrace area at main roof level, with extension of terrace areas to high-level plant deck roof
• Maximisation of green walls and planting
• Provision of new vertical access through the existing building, via new stair and platform lift from Level 02 accommodation
• A dedicated conference suite at the existing Level 02 Mezzanine level, with improved
vertical access
Business insolvencies at highest level since January 2020
The economic effects of the pandemic continue to impact heavily on local businesses as latest Government insolvency statistics highlight an increase in corporate insolvencies to their highest level since January 2020.
Monthly research by the Insolvency Service shows that the number of insolvent businesses in England and Wales increased by 7.2% in September to a total of 1,446, which is 55.8% higher than September 2020’s figure of 928 and approaching the pre-pandemic statistic of 1,515 for January of last year.
According to the Midlands branch of insolvency and restructuring body R3, the dramatic increase in corporate insolvencies compared to this time last year illustrates just how crucial the Government’s support has been in keeping businesses afloat and suggests that there may be a rocky road ahead for many now it has ended.
R3 Midlands Chair Eddie Williams, a partner at PwC in the East Midlands, said: “The monthly rise in corporate insolvencies was driven by Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations, which have increased for the third consecutive month. Directors may be closing their businesses after deeming financial survival unlikely after 18 months of struggling through a pandemic.
“Despite the fact that businesses have benefitted from two months of restriction-free trading and the economic boost over the summer, conditions are still not back to where they were before Covid-19.
“Consumers are now more cautious about the state of the economy and the growing cost of living and are more wary about spending their money. With widespread supply chain disruption and significant wholesale energy price increases building up between September and October, there is likely to be little slack for vulnerable businesses.
“For those companies continuing to struggle, the sooner advice is sought from a qualified and reputable source, the more potential there is for a solution.”
Record growth continues at Boyds with expansion for Product Development team
Leading pharmaceutical and biotech product development consultancy Boyds has added two experienced product development experts to its team, amid growing demand for its specialist Product Development services from biotech and spinout businesses in the UK, Europe and the US.
Diane Shattock Ph.D., joins as Director of Product Development and Ian Hollingsworth M.Sc., as Associate Director of Product Development. Both are working alongside Boyds’ Vice President of Product Development, Nick Meyers Ph.D.
The hires are central to Boyds’ planned expansion of the Product Development team and its clear strategy of expansion into the US, specifically of its programme management and product development support to US-based clients via its expertise, support and guidance throughout the life-cycle of medicine development activities, from early-stage discovery to commercialisation.
Diane and Ian are the latest of 18 new starters since March, when Boyds embarked upon its current expansion. The consultancy has created the new roles to further enhance its expertise and also expand the business, in response to a 25% surge in turnover and sustained growth in demand for its services across the UK, Europe and the US.
The Product Development team works collaboratively with Boyds’ in-house regulatory affairs, clinical operations and medical teams to support clients from the earliest stages of drug development, through clinical trials towards product approval and launch, working closely with regulators in the UK, European and US.
With over 19 years’ experience in clinical drug development, Dr. Shattock is a Project Management Professional (PMP)-qualified programme director and before joining Boyds, was Project Lead at Freeline for its lead gene therapy programme in Fabry Disease, and Project Manager on its Haemophilia B programme.
Diane has a wealth of programme management experience from her work across many therapeutic areas and all phases of drug development, including as Global Project Manager at Takeda and leading a collaborative Phase I-stage programme for an antibody therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis for Eisai and Morphotek.
Ian Hollingsworth is PMP qualified, and has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. His career began as a research chemist at AstraZeneca before his move into project managing early-stage programmes. Ian has managed projects in production facilities as well as transnational drug development programmes, and most recently the UK initiative to establish Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres (ATTC) across the NHS.
Following their appointments, Boyds’ Nick Meyers said: “I am delighted that Diane and Ian have joined the group. As well as their scientific expertise, they bring a wealth of development and programme management experience from previous R&D roles across the sector, and importantly, provide us with a significantly increased capacity to support our clients and their programmes.”
Professor Alan Boyd, who founded the consultancy in 2005, adds: “Boyds is committed to supporting the development of medicines for patient benefit.
“The number of companies approaching us for support and guidance with taking their idea through the discovery and development pathway, has grown again this year, and in particular there has been significant surge in the number of biotech’s and spinouts seeking our expertise. Not only do we have the experts to deliver the relevant support and guidance to companies that don’t have the expertise or resource in-house with which to take their idea through the pathway from discovery to commercialisation, but we may also be able to help save them time and money, particularly when involved from an early stage.”
Last month (September) Boyds opened a US office in Pennsylvania, which is headed by Katy Rudnick, Vice President and Head of US Regulatory Affairs.
Since Boyds was established, the company has worked with companies across the globe to help them translate their ideas into medicines for the benefit of patients. The company’s global reputation for its work in advanced therapies has led to a steady increase in the number of companies approaching Boyds for this expertise, with over 60% of the company’s client base now in the US.
Newly published business book supports Uganda charity
Nottinghamshire businesswoman Louise Third is using the publication of her new book ‘PR ON A BEERMAT’ to support a charity working in the Teso region of northeast Uganda. She will donate £1 of every book sold to give assistance to the Teso Development Trust (TDT) in its relief and development activities.
PR ON A BEERMAT is a guide to public relations aimed at freelancers, entrepreneurs, and owner-managers of growing businesses.
The author draws from over 30 years as a business adviser and PR consultant. “I decided it was time to capture in print the advice I share through my mentoring and online workshops,” she says. “Everyone can do PR. It’s simple once you understand the basics, but it must be done well.”
Louise has worked closely with Mike Southon and Chris West, authors of The Beermat Entrepreneur (Pearson 2018). Chris comments: “Louise’s book is the perfect lesson plan for every small outfit seeking to get heard amid all the noise out there. It should be part of the desk-top clutter of any office; pick it up, scribble in the margins, have a go.”
Central to the book are the stories of smaller firms who use publicity to get noticed. Firms such as TEA REX teas, outdoor clothing company Alpkit, Tuneless Choir, retailer The Bottle Top and Lindhurst Engineering. Journalists from The Daily Express, The Times, the Daily Mail, and city paper Nottingham Post guide the reader about how to work with the media.
Given the increasing importance of online publicity, Louise drew on the expertise of the multi-award-winning digital marketing company, Hallam.
Tom Bestwick, Hallam’s Content Marketing & PR Consultant, says: “PR has changed significantly over the last few years and its importance to organic growth and visibility on search engines, like Google, has only increased. There’s a big opportunity right now for savvy small businesses and entrepreneurs when it comes to standing out digitally. I can’t thank Louise enough for giving me the opportunity to support her with the writing of PR ON A BEERMAT. I hope our readers will take some fundamental golden PR-shaped nuggets away that will help them, their business or venture, thrive online.”
Louise adds: “We have created a new website www.pronabeermat.co.uk to gather stories, comments and ideas from readers who are experimenting with PR. I want to hear from anyone whose experience we can share, or who might like to be interviewed for our podcasts. Seeing the lessons from the book come to life through thriving small businesses will make all our work worthwhile.”
Chris West will host an online webinar between 6 pm – 7 pm on Wednesday 10th November with Louise and guests who appear in the book. They will chat about how they have used PR in their companies and will answer audience questions.
Robinson wins ‘Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider’ at Midlands Enterprise Awards
Robinson – the manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – has been named ‘Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider’ at the 2021 Midlands Enterprise Awards.
Now running for four consecutive years, the Midlands Enterprise programme is created to acknowledge and award those SMEs of all different sizes covering a range of businesses and industries that are based within the Midlands. The region is often described as the beating heart of the British industry and is a strong force in opening new avenues and business opportunities to most SMEs.
Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, says: “We are thrilled to be named Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider. With nearly 200 years within the industry, we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to provide our customers with customised solutions that meet their packaging needs.
Roberts continues: “Being an independent business, it gives us the advantage of being highly adaptive and flexible, our in-house team can help develop sustainable packaging formats, introduce innovative features and designs, or refine functionality, to make sure our customers meet their goals.”
The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.
Awards Coordinator Dean Taylor commented: “I am incredibly proud of all of the winners this year and would like to congratulate them on achieving so much. It has been a pleasure managing this programme and I wish all the winners the best of luck for their future endeavours!”
Silverstone’s Carbon Component Solutions acquires plastic manufacturer
Carbon Component Solutions, a composite component manufacturer situated in Silverstone, has acquired Arnold Engineering Plastics.
Arnold Engineering Plastics, a well-established manufacturing business based in Northampton, was previously owner managed by the Larkins family, who shared a long-standing relationship with Carbon Component Solutions.
The firm has specialised in plastic manufacturing for 50 years and the acquisition has enabled Carbon Component Solutions to expand the manufacturing services and goods available to its clients.
Co-owner and director of Carbon Component Solutions, Bryn Noon, said: “Purchasing Arnold Engineering Plastics is an exciting opportunity to expand our business and manufacturing capabilities. We have had a strong relationship with AEP for some time and we’re now excited to work alongside Peter Larkins to integrate the two businesses together into Carbon Component Solutions’ wider services.”
Co-owner and director of Carbon Component Solutions, Scott Noon, said: “We are looking forward to being able to provide our clients and customers with a greater range of services which was one of the driving forces for us doing this transaction. We couldn’t have done the deal without our team of advisors, Howes Percival and CED Accountancy Services, who provided clear guidance throughout and their combined project management got the deal over the line.”
Howes Percival’s team comprised Matt Thompson and Matt Mayes (Corporate), Graham Irons and Sobia Ahmad (Employment), Rob Starr (Regulatory) and Owen Franks (Commercial Property).
Duo of tools and building materials businesses open at new £30m mixed-use development
Two UK-wide tools and building materials businesses have opened their doors at a new £30 million mixed-use development in Nottingham.
Tool Station started trading earlier this month at Teal Park off the Colwick Loop Road in Netherfield. They have been joined this weekend by Screwfix.
Howdens is due to start the fitting out of its 6,000 sq ft premises towards the end of this month.
This activity marks the completion of the 33,300 sq ft trade park and a 28,860 sq ft industrial unit sold to Storage Giant which has been jointly developed by Warwickshire-based AC Lloyd Commercial and Nottingham-based based Henry Davidson Developments (HDD).
The multi-million-pound development will also include another six trade units and six large employment units totalling 111,000 sq ft, a care home, a new Local Centre with four retail shops, a children’s day nursery and a pub as well as an Aldi supermarket when it is completed.
Mark Edwards, Managing Director at AC Lloyd Commercial, said this was the first time he had visited Teal Park since the first national lockdown in March 2020.
“It was fantastic to see all the work that has been done over the last 19 months in person – and the difference to my last visit is staggering,” he said.
“There was a hive of activity with customers already visiting Tool Station and Screwfix and I’m sure there will be an equally positive response when Howdens and Storage Giant open.
“Looking at photos of the trade park doesn’t do it justice and we are really pleased with the completion of the first phase of the development.”
Richard Croft, director at HDD, added: “This is the first branch of Tool Station in this part of Nottingham and the steady flow of customers shows that Tool Station and Screwfix are already proving popular.
“The opening of these two units will be part of an overall job creation figure of 340 full-time equivalent posts when Teal Park is finished which is good news for local job-seekers and the local economy.”
Derbyshire Dales District Council to further support recovery of small businesses with grants
To support the continued recovery of the local economy, Derbyshire Dales District Council proposes to utilise its remaining COVID Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) allocation to help small and micro-businesses to adapt, diversify and improve resilience post COVID.
Priority will be given to businesses operating from business premises and employing staff in order to assist longer term economic recovery. Applications from businesses with growth plans curtailed as a result of COVID restrictions will also be considered.
Applicants should show that investment will contribute to one or more of the following: increase turnover, enhance productivity, enable diversification/expansion into different products or services, improve efficiency or safeguard/create new jobs.
Businesses in manufacturing, engineering and knowledge based/creative and digital sectors are particularly encouraged to apply.
Grant support at 50% of eligible project costs up to a maximum of £20,000 will be considered for projects costing more than £10,000 and up to £40,000 (excluding recoverable VAT).
Larger projects may be considered in exceptional cases. Eligible costs include: new equipment, machinery or technology; specialist consultancy; or expenditure to reduce the carbon footprint of the business.
Applicants must be able to complete their investment and claim the grant by 28 February 2022 latest.
Three quotes are required for items of expenditure over £1,000. These must be submitted online as part of the application.
Applications are to be submitted online before 5pm on 15 November 2021.
Carlton Forest 3PL acquires 100,000 sq ft site in Nottinghamshire
Carlton Forest 3PL has added a further 100,000 sq ft site to its growing portfolio, it’s fourth building acquisition in just eight months.
The warehouse, located at Tuxford, Nottinghamshire, close to the A1, is facilitating stock storage, management, and fulfilment for two significant retailers to support them with their strategic long-term supply chain management.
“We continue to seek opportunities to grow our customer base and the reputation that we have secured for our high levels of customer service are paying dividends as businesses seek partnership agreements with us,” said Adam Jones, Managing Director, Carlton Forest 3PL.
“This latest acquisition highlights our ability to create tailor made solutions in strategic locations that suit our customer requirements and allows us to integrate the site into our business operations with ease.”The site is now fully operational and has secured the employment of ten staff from the local community after the previous company operating from the building went into administration. The companies’ entire portfolio of warehouse space now exceeds 1.3m sq ft.
Adam concluded: “This latest acquisition joins our sites at Worksop, Hellaby and Bawtry Park and gives us great flexibility in offering support to business who are either based in the region or who are seeking a distribution hub in the area. 2022 already looks exciting for us with further expansion planned and warehouse acquisitions already in the pipeline.”
