Duo of off market lettings secured at Amber Business Centre
FHP Property Consultants have secured lettings at units 13.1 and 14.4 Amber Business Centre, Derbyshire, on behalf of private clients.
Amber Business Centre is an established industrial estate situated within 10 minutes of Junction 28 of the M1 motorway via the A38. The two properties comprise mid-terraced industrial/warehouse units benefiting from roller shutter loading doors and a recent refurbishment.
Both 13.1 and 14.4 have been let on new lease terms for a period of 5 years at a rent equating to £11.00 per ft² and £10.00 per ft² respectively.
Jamie Gilbertson, surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, says: “I am delighted to have completed these lettings. Following an initial call with our client I was able to place these under offer before we had actually listed them on the market.
“We have a strong database of active enquires which enabled us to match the property with an actively seeking business. This has been an excellent result for both our client and the tenant and I wish them every success.
“There is still good demand for quality small warehouse units and we are pleasingly placing units under offer and completing transactions on a weekly basis. We still have a couple units available on the estate, one unit is 1,272ft2 and the other unit is 618ft2 but these will be in high demand.”
Fraudulent builder prosecuted
A rogue builder who defrauded three households by taking money for work which was never carried out will have to pay £57,000 to his victims.
Trevor Anthony Lawrence – who is also known as Trevor Fail – pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading at Leicester Crown Court this week, following an investigation brought by Leicester City Council trading standards officers.
The court heard how Lawrence, aged 58, was living in Bakehouse Lane, Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire, at the time of the offences, and had been trading under the name of Max Crest.
Lawrence, who now lives in Spain, was charged under the Fraud Act 2006 in relation to home improvement works in Hamilton, Leicester, as well as at two other addresses in London between January 2016 and January 2018.
Leicester Crown Court heard how Lawrence obtained large sums of money for home improvements which were either never carried out or done to a very poor standard. He also took payment for materials which he never provided or even purchased.
Investigations into Lawrence’s business began after a customer reported concerns to Leicester City Council in 2016, and two more victims came forward via Action Fraud in 2018.
In one instance the investigator was provided with a fake invoice for goods. Evidence also showed that Lawrence had submitted no tax returns during the period when the fraud was taking place.
The court was told how Lawrence had a long previous history of fraud offences committed under the name of Trevor Fail, had been made bankrupt on a number of occasions and was a disqualified company director at the time of the most recent offences.
This week, His Honour Judge Spencer KC sentenced Lawrence to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years. As part of his plea, Lawrence will pay back £57,000 to the victims. Charges against two other defendants, one of which had since died, will lie on file.
Leicester City Council’s trading standards manager, Ronald Ruddock, said: “Home improvements frauds cause a great deal of inconvenience and distress to the victims.
“It important that householders do not pay up front for works that have not yet been undertaken. Only pay after works are completed and do not transfer large amounts of money upfront in the hope of saving money further down the line.
“Make sure you carry out checks on the builders before employing them – information can be found on Companies house, the registry trust and you can make general searches of the internet and that the contract is in writing.
“We are pleased that in this case, the defendant will pay back money he took from the people he defrauded.”
Browne Jacobson welcomes former Jack Wills CEO as a non-executive director
Law firm Browne Jacobson has appointed Suzanne Harlow as non-executive director of its retail, consumer & logistics sector.
Suzanne was previously Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RSL Awards and global lifestyle brand Jack Wills. Suzanne has also held a variety of senior executive and Board positions whilst at Debenhams.
Suzanne has extensive experience within retail covering a wide range of fashion, home and premium beauty brands, both in the domestic and international markets.
This is one of of several sector-driven appointments for Browne Jacobson’s corporate sector in recent months which includes leading General Counsel (GC), Anneliese Reinhold as the firm’s first non-executive chair of its corporate sectoral strategy board.
Working closely with partner Declan Cushley, who leads the firm’s corporate sector market group, and partner and head of Browne Jacobson’s corporate retail, consumer & logistics sector, Roland Gray, Suzanne will bring a wealth of specialist retail NED expertise to support the firm and its lawyers in driving the retail & consumer sector strategy, which is part of the wider corporate sector strategy.
Declan Cushley said: “We are pleased to welcome Suzanne as our NED for our retail, consumer and logistics sector. She has a first-class profile in the retail industry, helping to develop and build some of the UK’s leading retail, fashion, home and beauty brands over the last 30 years. Her knowledge and expertise of the sector will be incredibly valuable to us, and a huge asset to our retail client base.
“It also endorses our O Shaped partnership commitments to being a law firm that is striving for effective change, across the legal landscape and the sectors and industries we are supporting.”
Suzanne said: “I’m delighted to be working with Browne Jacobson as they develop a deeper sector driven approach and I’m looking forward to supporting the retail, consumer and logistics team in achieving its strategic aims.”
Roland Gray added: “We know that cultural and political changes have massively impacted the retail sector in recent years, changing how, when and why consumers shop. To have someone of Suzanne’s considerable experience, gives us first-hand insight into these changes and challenges, and will help us become even more aligned to what our clients are facing. We are delighted to have her on board with us.”
200 Degrees opens doors to Derby shop this weekend
East Midlands-based coffee roaster 200 Degrees is opening the doors to its new Derby coffee shop in Derbion shopping centre, this Saturday 19 November.
Located next to Boots on the ground floor of Derbion, the new coffee shop can seat more than 60 people and has brought 12 full-time and part-jobs to Derby.
Customers will recognise 200 Degrees’ iconic fireplace, antique armchairs and rustic “Hand Made in England” feature wall. The shop will also feature a snug ‘secret’ seating area as well as tables, chairs and benches.
The new Derby coffee shop is the roaster’s 18th across England and Wales and is the 7th in the East Midlands; with shops in Lincoln, Leicester, Nottingham and at McArthur Glen East Midlands Designer Outlet.
Freshly roasted coffee, from the 200 Degrees roast house in Nottingham, will be served in the new shop, as well as hot chocolate, smoothies and milkshakes.
200 Degrees will also be serving delicious food, such as deli-style sandwiches, baguettes, cakes and pastries – including vegan and gluten-free options – which are available to eat in or takeaway.
The opening follows a successful and busy year for 200 Degrees, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary last month (October) and recently launched its new recyclable packaging and introduced recyclable coffee pods.
Rob Darby, CEO at 200 Degrees, said: “We’re thrilled about the opening of our new shop in Derby. We’ve been wanting to set up shop here for some time, being East Midlands-based, and Derbion is the perfect spot.
“Looking back at where the 200 Degrees journey started, I feel very proud of what we’ve achieved together and feel grateful for our loyal customers.
“Each new shop opening feels like such a huge win, and I’m delighted with the team’s efforts and hard work. We look forward to serving our coffee to the Derby community!”
Coffee lovers can also purchase freshly roasted beans, new coffee pods, coffee machines and home brew equipment in store, to recreate the distinctive 200 Degrees taste at home.
Frasers Group secures 1,000 jobs with Coventry Building Society Arena purchase
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has snapped up Coventry Building Society Arena, securing up to 1,000 jobs.
Andrew Sheridan and Raj Mittal, partners at specialist business advisory firm FRP, were appointed as joint administrators of Arena Coventry Limited (ACL), Arena Coventry (2006) Limited and IEC Experience Limited.
They immediately completed the sale of the businesses, including ownership of the Coventry Building Society Arena, to certain entities controlled by Frasers Group Plc.
Joint administrator Andrew Sheridan said: “This is a pleasing outcome, which helps secure up to 1,000 jobs in Coventry and ensures that the venue will continue to play a major role in the city’s economy as a world-class entertainment and hospitality venue and home for Coventry City Football Club.
“By agreeing to sign an exclusivity agreement before the 1st November, Frasers Group was the only interested party that was able to meet the terms of the sale process. This was essential in providing the necessary funding that enabled the Arena to continue trading beyond that date.
“Without this, and the collaborative and supportive approach taken by all key stakeholders throughout the process as well as the tireless efforts of the core management team, the Arena would have been forced to close on 2nd November resulting in hundreds of job losses and a materially worse outcome for creditors. We wish Frasers Group and all involved in the Arena every success for the future.”
A spokesperson for Frasers Group said: “We are delighted with the acquisition of the CBS Arena which will complement the group’s existing portfolio of brands and investments. Through the acquisition, we are pleased to have been able to secure a long term future for the Arena, protecting jobs and supporting the local community. In particular, we are looking forward to working with Coventry City Football Club.”
A spokesperson for the Coventry Building Society Arena said: “We are delighted that Frasers Group have acquired the arena. This will see the doors of this flagship venue remain open and continue to play a strategic part in the City of Coventry’s economic tourism plan.
“It is a great result for everyone who uses the venue for business, sport, and music as we now can continue with what we do best and that’s providing hospitality at is best.
“We would like to thank all of our staff, suppliers and tenants who have worked so hard to ensure that it has been ‘business as normal’ during the past weeks. Our thanks also go to our key stakeholders, Coventry City Football Club, Delaware North UK, Coventry City Council and Coventry Building Society, for their ongoing support and collaboration.”
FRP was advised by Burges Salmon LLP during the process.
£1 million share offer announced by Derbyshire pharmaceutical company
Derbyshire-based N4 Pharma has launched a broker offer to raise a maximum of £1 million.
It is initially expected that £0.25 million will be raised in the offer, though if oversubscribed it may be extended.
The issue price of the broker offer is 2 pence per new ordinary share.
Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited is agent for the company.
N4 Pharma is a specialist pharmaceutical company developing Nuvec®, a novel delivery system for cancer treatments and vaccines.
Derbyshire abrasives businesses acquired
Phoenix Naylor Abrasives and Jowitt Abrasives, both based in Derbyshire, have been acquired by North West-based Trade Acquisition Partners Limited (TAP) in its first set of investments.
The deals come alongside two others in the UK abrasives and engineering sector, of West Midlands-based Swift & Whitmore Ltd, and Northern Abrasives located in Urmston, Greater Manchester.
TAP director, Ian Davidson, said: “We are delighted to have been able to acquire these long standing and successful businesses and look forward to working with the existing management teams to secure further growth through innovation and investment in both people and technology.”
The businesses have a deep rooted knowledge in the development, manufacture and distribution of abrasive and grinding solutions for multiple applications across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.
TAP added in a statement: “TAP are delighted to open their portfolio with a complimentary mix of businesses and will be looking to add value to each of the businesses in due course.”
They are now considering other owner managed businesses seeking to exit or require additional capital to support growth or deliver a turnaround.
GMI Construction Group bolsters Midlands portfolio with over £100m of regional investment
GMI Construction Group has boosted its Midlands presence, having been awarded over £100m in projects across the region.
GMI has signed deals on projects including £30m investment at the landmark Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby, a 155,000 sq ft logistics warehouse for St. Modwen Logistics in Birmingham and a retail park in Tamworth boasting brands such as Lidl and B&M.
In Derby, work has commenced on the Becketwell development – the most significant development in Derby city centre since 2007 – which will see the completion of a GMI-built Build to Rent apartment block in 2023. GMI will also complete a bottling plant for a German client at Dove Valley, Foston, by December 2022.
As part of its investment in the West Midlands, GMI has commenced build on various sites in Birmingham, including the development of a 102-unit residential project in the Jewellery Quarter, the regeneration of the former James Cond building for University College Birmingham and the development of a new student accommodation in Selly Oak. It has also recently completed a logistics warehouse for fashion retailer, ASOS, in Lichfield.
Andy Bruce, divisional Managing Director at GMI, said: “The Midlands is a big area with even bigger potential and, as we continue to invest in the region, it’s expected to become our largest UK division.
“As we further grow our pipeline of work in the Midlands, we will be collaborating with likeminded, forward-thinking organisations that align with our key purposes of sustainability and supporting the next generation of workers.
“It’s an exciting time for the Midlands and we’re committed to supporting the region to grow and thrive in the future, mirroring the ambitions of the Midlands Engine to create positive change.”
£3m funding package sees vehicle recovery business open new Derbyshire site
National vehicle recovery operator, Richford Motor Services, is opening a new site in Derby following a £3 million funding package from HSBC UK.
Established in 1990, Richford Motor Services provides 24-hour breakdown, repair, and recovery services for light and commercial vehicles, helping keep businesses on the road.
The 65,000 sq ft site will be Richford Motor Service’s twelfth UK depot, enabling the company to store vehicles in a more centralised location and minimise the time it takes to change and deploy vehicles to meet customer demand.
The new site will also create space for repair work and a body shop, allowing Richford Motor Services to hire up to 30 new employees in a variety of roles, such as recovery drivers, roadside tech’s, and car and commercial mechanics.
Philip Richford, director at Richford Motor Services, said: “The support from HSBC UK has enabled us to invest in key areas of our business, which will allow us to offer our customers in Derbyshire a quicker and more efficient vehicle recovery service whilst promoting our company growth.”
Chirag Makwana, relationship manager at HSBC UK, added: “Vehicles of all sizes play a key role in our lives. Supporting Richford Motor Services by enabling its expansion within Derbyshire will allow the business to continue offering reliable, consistent, and affordable vehicle breakdown support and repairs to customers of all sizes in the region.”
Car parts manufacturer to support SMEs with apprenticeship training
A car parts manufacturer with sites in Leicestershire and Derbyshire is reaching out to smaller organisations across the Midlands to help them with the cost of apprenticeship training and assessment.
Plastic Omnium is a family-led independent group that operates globally and has 137 production plants in 25 countries. In the UK the company mainly produces external car parts for Jaguar Land Rover.
The business engaged North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) to recruit its own apprentices in engineering, business administration and lean manufacturing. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives, Plastic Omnium made the decision to share resources from its Apprenticeship Levy fund to help smaller businesses that may struggle to afford the cost of training for their apprentices.
Six SMEs across the Midlands that work in engineering, construction and materials handling are set to benefit from the Levy transfer process which enables businesses with a turnover of £3m or more to pass on 25 per cent of the value of their Apprenticeship Levy for use by other organisations.
Richard Haswell, UK HR director for Plastic Omnium, said: “Since its introduction, we have used our Apprenticeship Levy funds to train apprentices and upskill team leaders and shift leaders across our business. We are delighted to be able to assist small businesses across the Midlands to build a talented workforce of their own using Apprenticeship Levy funding to help them develop new recruits or upskill existing employees.
“The college has been instrumental in helping us to identify the beneficiaries of this scheme which operate in a range of industry sectors in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and elsewhere in the Midlands. Training for the apprentices will be provided by NWSLC and costs will be covered under our Levy contribution.
“Plastic Omnium takes its corporate social responsibility very seriously and we feel strongly about supporting smaller local businesses in the community to succeed through skills development in these challenging economic times.”
Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, principal and Chief Executive at NWSLC, said: “We welcome this move by Plastic Omnium to support smaller businesses by sharing their Levy funds. It is imperative that businesses do not lose the opportunity to spend the Levy on training an apprentice or upskilling their existing workforce.
“The Levy works on the basis of ‘use it or lose it’ and if it is not spent, that money is subsumed into general taxation, meaning that the workforce could miss out on opportunities to improve their careers and UK productivity targets will not be met.
“Anecdotally, we have heard Levy-payers say that they are not familiar with the process for spending their training budget. With the inside track as a Levy-payer ourselves, as well as being an apprenticeship training provider, NWSLC is in a great position to advise on the process, including showing levy-payers how to pass on their training funds to others.”
