Assystem snaps up LogiKal
Engineering, digital services and project management company Assystem, which has offices in Derby, has acquired project management and controls group LogiKal.
LogiKal operates in UK and Asia-Pacific markets and generates annual revenue of ca. £15m (of which 65% is in the UK). This move aims to significantly strengthen Assystem’s project management services offer by bringing over 100 skilled project management professionals into the Assystem Group.
Both companies have a footprint in key programmes such as the UK’s high speed rail route (HS2), Lower Thames Crossing and National Grid. Internationally LogiKal also brings experience from major projects including the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) in Hong Kong and the Sydney Metro.
Christian Jeanneau, Assystem’s senior vice-president – Digital, said: “Assystem’s ambition is to accelerate the convergence of engineering and project management through digital. By bringing LogiKal into the Assystem corporate family we are taking a step further towards achieving this.”
Simon Barber, Assystem’s UK Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome LogiKal into the Assystem family and to be strengthening our comprehensive Project Management Office and wider digital services with a community of experts who are passionate about supporting the delivery of the low-carbon projects that are key to Britain’s energy transition.”
Bryn Lockett, LogiKal’s CEO, said: “Joining Assystem on its mission to support the drive to net zero will provide many opportunities to get involved in a range of exciting energy projects in the UK and around the world, as well as enhancing our well-established offer to the rail and infrastructure sectors. We are elated to be joining the Group’s Switcher community to support global efforts to address climate change.”
BRM real estate team strengthened with new director appointment
Regional law firm BRM Solicitors has appointed experienced real estate director George Thomson and paralegal Georgina Kassim to support its clients in Chesterfield and the surrounding area.
Newly appointed director, George Thomson specialises in agricultural and commercial property and has previously worked with a range of clients from large public sector organisations to smaller owner-managed businesses.
A strong background in agricultural property work enables George to support farmers, agricultural land and property owners, and other rural businesses in all of their property and land transactions.
George said: “I am delighted to re-join BRM as a director during an exciting period of growth and look forward to contributing to the firm’s continuing success and expansion in the region.”
The team has also welcomed paralegal Georgina Kassim. Georgina will be working alongside George in the Chesterfield office.
Georgina said: “This is an exciting new role with a forward-thinking law firm and I am looking forward to working with the current and new clients.”
Sanjeev Batra, head of Chesterfield real estate, said: “These recent appointments will help support our growth strategy and ensure the continued high-quality service that we already provide to our clients. George is a highly-skilled lawyer, and I am happy to add his experience and knowledge to our team.”
Duo promoted at AgTech business Light Science Technologies
Two members of staff at AgTech company Light Science Technologies (LST) have been promoted to senior roles across two key departments, as the business goes from strength to strength.
Linzi Naisbitt has been promoted to business development manager after two years with the Derby-based firm that provides sensor and lighting technology for indoor farming, including vertical farming and greenhouses.
Linzi joined the team in newly created role internal sales executive in early 2021 during the pandemic, using her extensive sales experience in the hospitality and events industry to support growth and development for LST and UK Circuits and Electronics Solutions Ltd (UKC), both Light Science Technologies Holdings (LSTH) group companies. UKC manufactures and supplies circuit boards for LST’s products at its Manchester-based site.
Daryl Hollands becomes group financial controller after working across LST & UKC as group management accountant for the past four years. An ACA Chartered Accountant, Daryl has been involved in every aspect of accounts including upgrading and implementing new finance systems, and will oversee all finance and accounting operations while reporting to the Board.
Simon Deacon, founder and CEO of Light Science Technologies Holdings, said: “We’re entering a booming era of sustainable technology and we’re experiencing a significant period of growth in line with the industry’s sales forecast over the next five years.
“It’s vital that we have the right team in place to help us achieve our ambitious growth strategy which is why we’ve been rapidly expanding the team over the past 18 months. Part of that strategy is also to secure the talent we’re fortunate to already have. Both Daryl and Linzi are exceptional in their respective fields of finance and sales, and by becoming more prominent and influential in the company proves our commitment to evolving our structure, as we thrive as a business.”
Established in 2019, the business currently employs 18 staff at its HQ and inbuilt lab facilities in Hilton, Derbyshire. Its focus is firmly set on global expansion, with ambitious growth plans to dominate the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) market over the next few years through its indoor farming proposition.
Construction commences on speculative North Derbyshire industrial scheme
Six much-needed industrial and warehouse units totalling 22,613 sq ft are being built in North Derbyshire to meet market demand.Devonshire Property Group has started work on Hartington Business Park, off Farndale Road in Staveley, which will comprise three terraces of brand new, high specification, modern industrial and warehouse units ready to let for the start of 2023.The development will offer six units across three terraces with units available from 2,429 sq ft to 4,856 sq ft. Alternatively, units could be combined to create single units up to 8,044 sq ft. The units are being marketed by the Sheffield office of Knight Frank and Commercial Property Partners (CPP).Harry Orwin-Allen in Knight Frank Sheffield’s industrial team said: “There is a distinct lack of supply for good quality industrial spaces under 10,000 sq ft. This speculative development delivered by Devonshire Property Group will prove attractive to occupiers seeking high quality accommodation in the region.“The units are currently under construction and will be ready for occupation in Q1 2023.”Max Pickering of CPP added: “With the supply of good quality, smaller industrial buildings expected to remain low, Hartington Business Park will address some of the apparent supply imbalance with good quality units that cater for a range of occupier requirements.”Key features of the units will include modern steel portal frames, steel profile cladding, concrete floor, secure concrete yard areas, ground level loading door, EV Charging points, three phase power supply and fibre broadband.Hartington Business Park is located on the northern edge of Staveley, which is around five miles north east of Chesterfield. The site benefits from access to the motorway network via J30 and J29A of the M1, both around three miles away from the development.
Social Change raises over £1,350 for Alzheimer’s Society
Lincoln-based behaviour change agency Social Change has raised a total of £1,351 for the Alzheimer’s Society during their recent Memory Walk at Boultham Park in Lincoln.
The fundraising event saw over 150 people, of all ages and abilities, walk the 1.6km route across Boultham Park, with participants contributing to a whopping 209,900 total step-count!
Sponsored by Lincoln City Council, Johnson and Smith Ltd, Boultham Park, and Glenholme Healthcare, all donations raised from the fundraiser will go directly to the Alzheimer’s Society, supporting people living with dementia across Lincolnshire and beyond.
The team at Social Change recently invited Alice Grewcock, community fundraiser at Alzheimer’s Society, to their Lincoln office, to collect the giant £1,351 cheque raised from the event.
Kate Lee, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are so pleased to have Social Change bring such energy and enthusiasm to Alzheimer’s Society and immensely proud of what they have achieved with their brilliant Memory Walk. Their fantastic sum of £1,351 will make a significant difference to the lives of those affected by dementia, providing both immediate help and hope for the future.”
Penny Howard, from Glenholme Healthcare, echoes the value of the charity’s work. She said: “We gain so much advice from the Alzheimer’s Society in support of the delivery of our activities within our communities. The Memory Walk has been a great opportunity to give something back to help their work continue. The day was so well attended and we’re really pleased to hear how much has been raised.”
Alison Howard, director of Growth and Innovation at Social Change, said: “We recently welcomed Kate Lee, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, on our podcast, Tea with the Changemakers, and this got the team talking.
“We discovered that the majority of us have a relative with Alzheimer’s, and we wanted to do something to support people who are living with it, and their families. After discovering that our closest Alzheimer’s Society organised Memory Walk was in Nottingham, we decided to host our own, and the rest is history.”
Bus group welcomes new director
trentbarton and its parent group Wellglade are to welcome John Bickerton as their new group engineering director.
John will take up the newly created role in January. The Chartered Engineer joins from Arriva UK Bus where he was head of zero emissions.
It’s a return to the East Midlands for the former Derbyshire man. His career has also included innovation and engineering roles at Reading Buses, East West Rail and First UK Bus.
John’s new job will include directing the care of the more than 400 buses and coaches in the combined fleets, which are based at six depots. Their maintenance and servicing are vital to the bus operators’ daily operations.
He will lead a team of engineering managers and around 100 engineers and apprentices.
John, 41, said: “I’m very much looking forward to joining Wellglade. The group is an admired name in the industry for its focus on customer service, high standards and quality fleet presentation.
“I travelled on the group’s buses when I went to school so it is exciting to resume the journey now in my career in public transport.
“The next decade is going to be extremely interesting for bus operators as the nation moves towards a zero carbon future. We already carry more people per tailpipe than any other sector and buses will be a big part of decarbonisation, including at Wellglade.”
Wellglade chairman Brian King said: “John has a first class track record in public transport engineering and we are very pleased that he will be joining us.
“He impressed us with his passion for public transport that is both environmentally and commercially sustainable and that chimes with our desire to provide services that are green, clean and attractive for our customers.”
The group engineering role has been created in a management reorganisation at Wellglade and trentbarton. Wellglade’s operators also include Kinchbus, Notts & Derby and TM Travel.
trentbarton group commercial director Tom Morgan will step up to the new role of managing director (buses) for Wellglade’s bus operators after trentbarton and Kinchbus managing director Jeff Counsell retires in February.
Addison Hunt to transform disused site into new offices for Liversage Trust
Chartered quantity surveyor and project management experts Addison Hunt has been appointed by The Liversage Trust, to provide quantity surveying services for its new office space.
Situated in Alice Street, Derby and part of the Nottingham Road Conservation Area, the project – which has received planning permission – will see the existing building transformed into workshops and offices for the charity.
Working alongside architect Matthew Montague Associates, the firm will convert the two-storey building into a brand-new premise for the Liversage Trust as well as courtyard for parking which will enhance the future viability and prosperity of the conservation area.
Founded in 1529 by Robert Liversage, the Trust’s objectives have been to provide relief either generally or individually to Derby residents who are in need, hardship or distress. The Trust currently manages more than 160 almshouses, a 40-bed care home and a small number of other residential and commercial properties, as well as providing grants to assist residents with obtaining essential household items and limited financial support at a time of crisis.
Simon Collin, director of Addison Hunt, said: “The Liversage Trust is an incredible charity and we’re delighted to be assisting them in delivering a new workshop and office space, which will be situated nearby to Liversage Trust almshouses.
“We look forward to welcoming its employees into the new building, not only will they benefit from a modern and spacious facility, but it will make a difference to how they operate and the services they provide across Derby.”
Andy Mellors, general manager at The Liversage Trust, said: “We are extremely pleased to be working with Addison Hunt on this exciting project.
“As Derby’s oldest charity, we are keen to not only preserve the buildings of our past, but to adapt and improve them for the future, so that we can continue to provide our important services to local residents.”
Outdoor clothing firm gears up for global expansion
A Derbyshire business that owns world-renowned outdoor clothing and equipment brands Rab and Lowe Alpine is set for significant international growth thanks to a multi-million funding package from HSBC UK.
Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd will utilise the funding package from HSBC UK to support the business’s plans for further growth globally.
The funding will enable the business to repay investors, including long-term partner Gresham House Ventures who have supported extensive investment in product, people, and premises. The deal also sees HSBC UK take on the full banking relationship for Equip, marking the next stage in a seven-year relationship.
Matt Gowar, CEO and owner of Equip Outdoor Technologies, said: “This funding will create opportunities for the continued growth of our business and further innovation to develop ever more sustainable and technical products for our customers. Working with HSBC UK means we can leverage the bank’s global footprint and the international coverage we need.”
This year has seen Equip’s turnover continue to increase. Expansion in existing and new international markets is expected to lead to further significant growth, with ambitious forecasts in place for the next five years.
Graham Brown, relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “It’s great to see Equip move to HSBC as they embark upon this exciting period of growth, with their market leading outdoor clothing and equipment continuing to lead the way across the globe. We feel their aspirations for international growth fit perfectly with HSBC UK and we are delighted to be supporting Matt and all the Equip team.
“Equip is also at the forefront of the ESG agenda being one of the first outdoor companies to be certified as Climate Neutral. They have achieved Fair Wear Leader status and aim to be Net Zero by 2030 with the majority of their global premises already 100% powered by renewable energy.”
£5m grant awarded for cold storage facility to support Grimsby seafood industry
HSH Coldstores has been awarded a £5m government grant as part of the Seafood Infrastructure Fund. The grant is to support the construction of a new £30m state-of-the-art coldstore and distribution hub to support the seafood industry in Grimsby.
Local cold store capacity in Grimsby is near fully utilised, and this has created a bottleneck for the local seafood processing industry’s growth.
The new coldstore will store around 30,000 pallets, opening up opportunity for growth and increasing competitiveness for the local seafood processing sector. The facility will also provide cost-effective single pallet distribution anywhere in the UK, supporting small businesses.
Sustainability will be at the heart of the construction: the building will have 30% lower energy consumption compared to other coldstores in Grimsby, achieve BREEAM Very Good standard and make use of local suppliers during construction where possible. The new facility will also create over 60 full-time high-quality jobs in the local community.
BHP becomes first tenant at Chesterfield’s One Waterside Place
North Derbyshire and Yorkshire accountancy firm BHP has moved into Chesterfield’s One Waterside Place.
BHP is the building’s first tenant and takes one floor in the six-storey building, relocating from its current site on Saltergate in Chesterfield town centre, which they occupied for more than 30 years.
The new office will be home to more than 70 BHP employees across its Personal and Corporate Tax, Healthcare, Audit and Accounts, and Payroll teams.
The ‘Grade A’ 5,550 sq ft office space boasts state-of-the-art office facilities, breakout spaces, meeting rooms, a café/bar area, modern kitchen, LED lighting, air conditioning and cycle parking.
BHP partner Dominic Staniforth said: “We’re delighted to have officially moved into our brand-new office here at One Waterside Place. It’s been exciting to welcome the team in to experience the facilities first-hand.
“We’ve loved being part of the Chesterfield community for the past 30 years and the move demonstrates our commitment to the local economy and employment market, while providing us with a fantastic base for our firm to grow.
“One Waterside Place is superbly located and offers our people a great place to work, with an array of restaurants, cafés and shops on the doorstep. We look forward to being in our new home for many years to come.”
Lisa Leighton, BHP’s joint managing partner, said: “Chesterfield has always been an important location for us. We’ve had a base in the town since 1991 and have built up a fantastic reputation in the area.
“The new office is an excellent space that provides first-class facilities for our team. I know I can speak on behalf of my Chesterfield colleagues when I say that we’re proud to be the first tenants in such a prestigious building and we look forward to our bright future at One Waterside Place.”
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome BHP to our new Grade A office accommodation in the heart of Chesterfield. Their investment is a ringing endorsement of our town and will help ensure there are great jobs for our residents. I want to wish them the best for their future.”
One Waterside Place is owned by Chesterfield Borough Council. The building’s property developer was Bolsterstone Group Plc and BHP’s office space was kitted out by Absolute Commercial Interiors Ltd.
