Lloyds Banking Group appoints housing expert as new ambassador for the Midlands

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Lloyds Banking Group appoints housing expert as new ambassador for the Midlands
Lloyds Banking Group has appointed Andrew Asaam as its new group ambassador for the Midlands. Alongside a team of experts from across the group, Andrew will work with local politicians, regional business leaders, community networks and charities to help address the challenges facing the Midlands. There will be a strong focus on exploring ways of helping people in the region access affordable and sustainable housing. Andrew will also champion small businesses and promote the importance of skills and apprenticeships, as well as advise on the Midlands’ transition to a low-carbon economy. Andrew, who is homes director for Lloyds Banking Group, was born and raised in Birmingham and studied economics at Coventry University. He said: “As a proud Midlander, I’m really honoured to have been asked to take on this role because our region has so much to be shouting about. “We have a long history of innovation which continues today – not least in our advanced manufacturing technology and health and life sciences sectors – and we’re also building on our strong automotive heritage, as electric vehicles and Birmingham’s clean air zone push us forward on the road to net zero. “The Midlands’ place in the heart of England makes it central to the success of the UK. I’m really looking forward to working with other leaders in the region to help bolster growth and attract investment.”

Lace Market ‘loft style’ offices let

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Lace Market ‘loft style’ offices let
The ‘loft-style’ fourth floor office at the popular 34 Stoney Street has been let in a deal brokered by Thomas Szymkiw, office agent at FHP Property Consultants. The 1,400 sq ft suite provides Budgeting Solutions an opportunity to acquire a fully refurbished space within the roof eaves of this historic Grade II former Lace Mill. The refurbishment included a full strip out with the installation of LED lighting, heating and cooling system, brand new kitchenette, WC’s and some clever glass partition work between the roof trusses to create independent meeting spaces. Thomas Szymkiw, associate director at FHP, said: “This letting completes the final piece of the jigsaw for our clients who from acquisition of the property have undertaken a full and substantial refurbishment – sympathetically looking after its historic and period features whilst modernising the internal suites to the new tenants’ exacting specifications. “It just goes to show that in the current market occupiers are demanding quality and when this is delivered – fantastic results will follow. “It’s great news for the Lace Market office scene to have this building now fully let and I wish Paul at Budgeting Solutions and all the tenants the best of luck for the future.” Paul Bavington, of Budgeting Solutions, said: “It’s been great working with Thomas/FHP on structuring the right deal with the landlord and being involved in specifying the fit out to ensure we created a workspace designed for hybrid working. “As a fast growing technology business, this space will enable colleagues and clients alike to embrace true digital working patterns.”

Leicestershire architects complete £100m scheme with Clowes Developments

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Leicestershire architects complete £100m scheme with Clowes Developments

IMA Architects has completed its latest project with Clowes Developments, with more projects confirmed for 2023.

Involved from the outset, IMA acted as Planning Consultants as well as Architects, helping to finetune the project and liaising with both Clowes Developments and NFUM throughout. The team produced footprint layouts of the proposed units to highlight achievable floorspace, as well as contributing to the full production of drawings and working closely with key contractors.

With practical completion achieved at the end of October, the six units are located across three sites in Corby (2), Castlewood (2) and at East Midlands Distribution Centre in Castle Donnington (2) – with a mix of B2 and B8 use – and will become part of NFUM’s property portfolio.

Five of the units were constructed on a speculative basis with no end users secured, while one unit – plot A1 in Corby occupying 162,490ft² – has been pre-let to Deichmann Shoes (UK). The first to be built, this unit was not initially part of the deal, but became part of the project during negotiations. The other five units occupy a combined floorspace of 838,586ft² and are now on the market for suitable occupants.

Speaking on the project, Ben Hall, director at IMA, said: “Our professional relationship with Clowes is longstanding and we have successfully delivered over 60 projects since 2009, with more confirmed on 2023. On this particular project, we were the only Architects on site and, as the demand for commercial rental units grow, so does the development potential – so we look forward to being part of future schemes.

“Going forwards, we look forward to working with Clowes on upcoming projects, and we are proud to have them as a returning client.”

James Richards, director at Clowes Developments, said: “We are pleased to have completed this project with NFUM and to have had the expertise of IMA on board from the outset. IMA form an important part of the puzzle which enables us to deliver such complex transactions.

“IMA worked seamlessly with our dedicated legal team at Geldards, employers’ agents, Postins Project Services, various contractors and, of course, our internal team at Clowes.

“Their ability to work well with key parties across all sites helped to ensure that the work was completed within the agreed timescales which is essential for us. We are confident that the units will all soon find suitable occupiers and be an asset to the local East Midlands economy for years to come.”

Marketing agency branches out into UAE

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Marketing agency branches out into UAE
Full service marketing agency Purpose Media has been appointed on a project in Dubai on behalf of a client which provides commercial refrigeration solutions. The appointment follows on from projects they have already carried out in Milan, Belgium and Austria on behalf of commercial refrigeration solutions manufacturer True Refrigeration. Based in the US, the company exports worldwide and has a UK operation based in Rotherham from which it has been spearheading expansion into the UK and Europe. True have been pioneers of commercial refrigeration solutions for more than 70 years and has been operating in Dubai and the middle-east markets for over 20 years. With a turnover in excess of $1bn globally and a large market share in the US where it is the go-to refrigerator brand, the company has been working with Purpose Media to plan and deliver their UK marketing strategy. The project in the UAE involves documenting and filming their attendance at Gulf Host Dubai, MENA’s largest Hospitality Equipment and Foodservice show. The show happens each year at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Matt Bonser, account director at Purpose Media, said: “True is an important client for us as they represent our ability to support local businesses on global projects. It is going to be a frenetic five days for the team as they gather the video and photographic materials we will then transform for use across all digital marketing channels to grow True’s brand profile and reputation across the UAE and Europe.” Founded in 1945, True now has offices and facilities in the UK, Germany, Australia and South America. True products can be found in foodservice operations such as workplace café’s, restaurants, breweries, bars, bakeries, food halls and take away’s all around the world. Clients include McDonalds, Zizzi, Pizza Hut, KFC, Subway and Dunkin Donuts.

Eight storey apartment building tipped for approval in Nottingham

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Eight storey apartment building tipped for approval in Nottingham
Plans for a new apartment building in Nottingham have been tipped for approval.
The proposals for 1 Wallett Street come from Arkwright Property Co Ltd and would see existing buildings on the site demolished.
The site currently comprises a collection of industrial buildings and a large surface car park, which will be replaced with a building that steps down in height from 8 storeys on the frontage to Crocus Street to 4 storeys adjacent to Meadows Way.
141 apartments are planned, comprising 72 one bed and 69 two bed flats.
There would be 44 car parking spaces at the ground floor level along with bin and cycle storage facilities.

Nottingham Building Society and Gen H sign £600m agreement to boost home ownership

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Nottingham Building Society and Gen H sign £600m agreement to boost home ownership
Nottingham Building Society (NBS) and fintech mortgage lender Gen H have agreed a new partnership of up to £600m. NBS will provide forward-flow funding to Gen H over a minimum of two years to boost the prospects of home ownership for first-time buyers and remortgagers. The deal reflects a shared commitment to transform the housing market and make home ownership a reality for millions more people. Under the agreement, The Nottingham’s funding will enable Gen H to accelerate the rollout of its innovative suite of mortgage products and widen the opportunity for home ownership. The agreement marks a milestone for both parties, as Gen H’s first Building Society funding partner, and The Nottingham’s first key partnership in support of its new purpose-driven strategy. Gen H, also known as Generation Home, was founded in 2019 with the mission to make everyone a homeowner. The company began trading in October 2020 and its mortgage products have since helped thousands of aspiring homeowners take their first step onto the property ladder. Gen H estimates that around two-thirds of first-time buyers need financial help from friends or family and seeks to solve this problem through tailored solutions that broaden and simplify access to home ownership. These include income boosters that help customers borrow more, deposit boosters that enable interest-free loans from friends and family, and a unique Home Agreement that facilitates dynamic ownership of homes. The partnership with NBS will also allow for Gen H to steadily continue its lending growth, while becoming a fixture in the mortgage market alongside high-street banks. William Rice, CEO, Gen H (Generation Home), said: “At Gen H, we believe that owning a home should be an opportunity for everyone. That’s why we’re rebuilding the home-buying process to make it simple, transparent and fair. “Our partnership with The Nottingham is a crucial step in our journey; its mutual ethos and 170-year legacy of supporting people to own their own home is a great fit with our mission.” Sue Hayes, CEO, Nottingham Building Society, said: “We are delighted to partner with Generation Home. Our shared purpose and the depth of cultural alignment across our businesses provide us with a unique platform for success. “They present a unique proposition that, with our support, can enable home ownership to become a reality, rather than a dream. Mutuality is the bedrock on which the Society has been run since its inception, and we are proud to be partnering with a business that shares our resolute determination to help people own their own home. “This matters now, more than ever.”

Planning application submitted for local centre and care home in Leicestershire

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Planning application submitted for local centre and care home in Leicestershire

Developer Charterpoint, in a joint venture with landowner, The Drummond Estate, has applied for planning permission to build a new local centre and a 66-bed care home on land at New Lubbesthorpe, a new community in Blaby, Leicestershire.

The mixed-use scheme features a two-storey local centre which will house a Sainsbury’s Local store and four additional units for retail, including a café/bistro on the ground floor. The first floor will be occupied by Forest House Medical Centre.

The plans submitted to Blaby District Council include a 66-bed modern care home to be built over two and three storeys, which would be delivered by senior living specialist Charterpoint.

New Lubbesthorpe Local Centre is the first retail scheme for the new community, which will eventually feature more than 4,000 new homes.

The local centre and the care home – designed by Franklin Ellis Architects – have already received outline planning permission and will complete the development of the Tay Road feature square that also includes the successful New Lubbesthorpe Primary School.

Charterpoint Managing Director, Giles Nursey, said: “New Lubbesthorpe is an exciting, vibrant community set in a great countryside location just 20 minutes from Leicester city centre and ten minutes from Fosse Park Retail Centre.

“Charterpoint has carefully developed designs for the first of two local centres planned for the site, plus an adjacent care home, and we are very pleased to have now submitted a reserved matters planning application to Blaby District Council as the next part of the development process.”

Martin Ward, a trustee of the Drummond Estate, said: “Community facilities, such as these, are vital to maintain the fantastic sense of community we have created at New Lubbesthorpe. The new local centre will complement the successful primary school and will be welcomed by those already living here and the new residents moving to site.”

New Lubbesthorpe is a pioneering new community set in 325 acres of new parklands and wetlands, south of Leicester Forest East. Around 780 of the 4,250 homes have so far been built and occupied.

It is expected that work will begin on site for the new local centre and the care home in spring 2023, subject to planning permission.

Leicestershire celebrates major environmental achievements during COP 27

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Leicestershire celebrates major environmental achievements during COP 27
As world leaders continue to discuss the climate crisis at COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, action to reduce carbon emissions continues to be taken closer to home. The LLEP Business Gateway and its partner Zellar, are celebrating a milestone for their pioneering initiative which helps Leicestershire businesses save money and reduce the carbon they generate. Eighteen months ago, the LLEP Business Gateway launched the Zellar programme, giving 100 local SMEs free access to an online platform through which they could track their carbon emissions and kickstart their sustainability journeys. Today they announced that they have so far helped local businesses save a massive £143k on their energy bills, allowing them to invest in sustainable changes to secure further savings. Participating companies have so far invested £400,000 in green technologies since the start of the Zellar programme and contributed 3,400 hours of volunteering towards local environmental projects. Welcomm Communications – a telecoms business based in Market Harborough – has been using Zellar since the start of this year. Their sustainability champion, Wendy Savill, said: “Since starting on our sustainability journey, we have been so encouraged by the Zellar platform in many ways, not least by realising the cost savings we have made. “These have come from making small changes in the business which were so easy to implement. We are excited to measure further changes in the near future and to achieve more savings, especially in the current economic climate. A huge thanks to Zellar for giving us that focus.” Acting head of the LLEP, Sue Tilley, added: “We are so proud of how Leicestershire companies have embraced this initiative as part of their response to the climate emergency. “We’ve always been leaders in environmental issues and it’s great to see that tradition continuing with our Zellar project which is the first of its kind in the UK. We do still have 16 free places left if any other businesses would like to join the scheme to save money and attract new customers.” A further benefit to the region has come in the form of a £600,000 investment from the Co-operative Bank to Leicestershire businessman Gary Styles, who is the founder and CEO of Zellar. Mr Styles said: “The Co-operative Bank is a perfect investor for Zellar. We hold so many shared values and they have the highest Environmental Social and Governance score of any UK high street bank. “We’re also incredibly thankful to the LLEP Business Gateway and to all the pioneering Leicestershire businesses that have supported our journey so far. We would urge more businesses to get onboard and grab those final free licenses.”

Henry Brothers expands into new region

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Henry Brothers expands into new region
Due to ongoing expansion and contract wins across England, contractor Henry Brothers is opening a new office in Manchester, enabling the contractor to grow its operations across the Northern Region. Henry Brothers has recently been appointed for the £12 million refurbishment of The University of Manchester’s Chemistry Building to create flexible lab space, purpose-built write-up spaces, break-out areas, and offices. As a result of the expansion, the company Henry Brothers Midlands Ltd will now operate as Henry Brothers Construction Ltd going forward, suitably reflecting the growing presence of the business, which also includes moving its existing office in the Midlands to larger premises in Nottingham. Henry Brothers Construction Ltd is part of The Henry Group, which comprises of a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit out. Led by Managing Director Ian Taylor, Henry Brothers Construction Ltd has cemented itself as market leader in the construction industry following the establishment of the Midlands based business in 2015. Ian said: “Over the last number of years, Henry Brothers has raised the bar for construction in the Midlands and beyond, developing its portfolio of clients across a range of sectors including education, defence, blue light, and healthcare. “Our clients will continue to work with the same team that they trust to deliver the highest quality of service and innovation with the benefit of added convenience and enhanced on the ground support. “This is a natural and exciting next step for us, allowing us to build on our proven track-record and deliver inspiring, innovative, and great value projects across the UK.”

Nottingham auctioneer appointed to sell Made.com furniture stock

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Nottingham auctioneer appointed to sell Made.com furniture stock

Auction house, John Pye & Sons Ltd, has been appointed by administrators of Made.com Design Limited to put stock on the market, in order to recover funds for creditors.

Due to difficult economic conditions, the high-value retailer, Made.com Design Limited appointed administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) to manage its affairs, business and property on the 9th November 2022.

PwC has this week appointed John Pye Auctions to put the Made.com stock to the market, through its network of over 700,000 customers and 1,000,000 sq ft of sale space.

All of the UK stock from Made.com is included in the inventory, which comprises several thousands of upholstery, home furniture, outdoor and leisure, home accessories and lighting items.

Adam Pye, Managing Director at John Pye, said: “John Pye Auctions is deeply saddened by the nature of this case, having worked as close partners with Made.com Design Limited for over six years. We’ve formed relationships with many staff members. We wish all the very best to everyone negatively affected.

“As with any insolvency of a great British brand such as Made.com, there are always the tragedies of redundancies and loss. It is John Pye Auction’s role to realise the best we can for all creditors of the company. Thanks to our long-standing partnership with Made.com Design Limited, we have a customer base who are familiar with buying this type of stock, so we hope to be able to realise a positive return for creditors.”

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