East Midlands manufacturer delivers £1.6m furniture contract in Scotland
Mansfield-based Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading education furniture and fitout specialists, has delivered a £1.6m contract for one of the highest performing secondary schools in Scotland.
Built by McLaughlin & Harvey for East Dunbartonshire Council, the new £40.9m Boclair Academy in Bearsden near Glasgow has created a state-of-the-art learning environment for 1,000 pupils.
This was Deanestor’s fourth project for McLaughlin & Harvey and it follows earlier fitout projects at Hopefield Primary School in Midlothian and two primary schools for Scottish Borders Council.
Deanestor fitted out 228 rooms across the new Boclair campus, which reflects the latest thinking for curriculum delivery.
According to Neil Kemp, Senior Project Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, “Despite the challenges of Brexit and the covid pandemic, the project and the fit out went very well and we were able to hand the new campus over early. The quality of the furniture manufactured by Deanestor met our expectations and requirements. The finished school looks fantastic, particularly the open plan spaces, and staff and students at the Academy are absolutely delighted with their new facility.”
Charles Riach, Architect at Ryder Architecture, said, “The finished school is outstanding. The design both internally and externally references the quality, textures and colours of the surrounding architecture and landscape. Deanestor has once again delivered the brief and the design for the furniture and fitout, and their team worked well with us at each stage.”
Deanestor provided a wide range of contemporary fitted and loose furniture, soft furnishings, teaching aids, lockers, and equipment for sports, crafts, design and technology, science laboratories, and food technology – from mirrors and ballet barres to a kiln and laboratory fume cupboards.
Its team manufactured bespoke items of furniture, including the solid oak reception desk, storage cabinets, booth seating, benching, lockers, and teaching aids. Specially designed tiered seating in a beech finish was provided by Deanestor which doubles up as informal break-out spaces to encourage social interaction.
Nearly 3,000 items of loose furniture were also supplied as part of Deanestor’s FF&E contract, such as tables and chairs, dining tables, modular soft seating, mobile storage, and over 300 sofas.
The interior design strategy reflects the school’s corporate identity and uses two shades of blue to help unify different spaces across the campus. Natural colours and tones feature extensively to complement the surrounding,
Deanestor manufactures and installs robust and flexible loose and fixed furniture solutions for early years, primary, SEN, and secondary education, fitting out areas such as classrooms, science laboratories, ICT, design and technology, atria, social dining spaces, break-out areas, sports facilities and changing rooms. Its experienced designers and project managers work with architects, contractors and directly with schools and local authorities, advising on specification of furniture and equipment to help deliver inspirational learning environments.
Innovative Lincolnshire climate business vying for top national award
Up-and-coming climate tech company, Seaweed Culture, is one of the final 100 businesses from across Great Britain aiming to take home a top award at the Santander X UK Awards.
The Lincolnshire-based business seeks to tackle climate change by reducing methane emissions in livestock through the use of seaweed and is one of 60 business vying to win the Launch category at the Santander X UK Awards, where the national winner will take home a top prize of £15,000.
Seaweed Culture’s Founder and CEO, Luke Smith, developed his passion for supporting the environment whilst studying at the University of Lincoln, UK, and identified seaweed as a way to help the livestock industry meet net zero targets and create climate conscious products.
Luke, who received advice and funding from the University’s Student Enterprise Services to support his start-up journey, has developed a novel land-based cultivation system to grow a seaweed species not native to the UK.
When incorporating less than 0.2% into their daily diets, this seaweed species can reduced methane emissions from cows by up to 95% with no effects on the quality of meat or milk while also increasing productivity and reducing cost.
Having been selected from a field of 500 applications, Luke is now taking part in a tailored, intensive business training programme ahead of pitching heats at the Oval in London on 28th November where the Awards finalists will be selected.
Six businesses from the Launch category will be chosen to take part in the final the following day at London’s One Marylebone where the judging panel will be headed up by Santander UK CEO Mike Regnier.
Speaking about his progress in the Awards, Luke said: “Being part of the Santander X Cohort has really helped the business refine its approach moving forward. It has been a great opportunity to learn and strengthen our own understanding alongside supporting the business.”
Should Seaweed Culture bring home the award, it would add to the growing list of accolades which both Luke and the business have already secured. The company won both the Environmental/Sustainable Business of the Year and the Andrew Stevenson Award – which recognises businesses with significant global potential – at the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards 2022, whilst Luke has previously been recognised as one of Lincolnshire’s 30 Under 30.
Midlands sees fall in permanent placements for first time since February 2021
The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands survey saw permanent placements decline for the first time since February 2021 and a second consecutive reduction in temporary billings during October. Pay inflation, meanwhile, remained elevated amid reports of both high demand for labour alongside shortages in candidate availability.
The KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to around 100 recruitment and employment consultancies in the Midlands.
Renewed decline in permanent placements
The number of permanent placements across the Midlands fell for the first time since February 2021 in October. Moreover, the rate of decline was marked. Recruitment consultancies indicated that the renewed decline in permanent placements stemmed from the weak levels of demand that firms across the UK are currently facing.
The decrease in permanent placements in the Midlands was the second sharpest of the four monitored English regions, behind only London which registered the fastest decline since July 2020. All of the monitored English regions recorded lower levels of permanent placements and three of the four downturns followed increases in the previous month.
Temp billings fall at the fastest rate since June 2020
Temporary billings fell for a second consecutive month at the start of the final quarter. Moreover, the rate of decline accelerated from September and was the quickest since June 2020. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the downturn was linked to the worsening economic landscape in the UK. Other firms mentioned that a shortage of candidates also contributed to the decline.
The fall in temp billings in the Midlands was the fastest of the four monitored regions. Conversely, the South of England registered a marked upturn which underpinned the uptick at the UK level.
Demand for staff across the Midlands continued to increase in October, although rates of expansion remained below the respective historical averages. Permanent vacancies rose at a robust rate but at one which was comfortably below the survey peak recorded in July 2021.
Meanwhile, October data completed two consecutive years whereby demand for temporary staff has increased on a monthly basis. The rate of growth, however, was the slowest since January 2021.
Downturn in permanent staff availability sharpens
Recruiters across the Midlands registered a drop in the supply of permanent staff in October which was the nineteenth in as many months. The reduction was sharp and quicker than in September but remained much softer than seen across much of the past year-and-a-half. Candidates were reportedly reluctant to move positions amid widespread economic and market uncertainty. The Midlands posted the softest fall in permanent candidate numbers of the four monitored English regions whilst the North of England reported the sharpest decline.
Temporary staff availability falls at a softer rate
The availability of candidates for temporary roles in the Midlands fell in October, thereby stretching the current negative sequence to 20 months. Anecdotal evidence suggested that people were currently seeking extra stability and had a preference for permanent positions. Other recruitment consultancies also mentioned that high levels of employment across the UK meant that there was a general lack of candidates. That said, the rate of decline in temporary staff availability was the softest since March 2021. Bucking the wider trend, London registered the first uptick in temp staff availability in a year-and-a-half.
Permanent salary growth eases to 18-month low
October data signalled that salaries for permanent new joiners in the Midlands increased for the twentieth month in a row. Though remaining elevated, the rate of increase was much slower than in September and the softest in a year-and-a-half. The rise in permanent salaries was reportedly reflective of a talent shortage, with firms subsequently forced to increase salaries to entice candidates. On a national level, the increase in permanent starting salaries was led by London, though all four monitored English regions registered marked inflation.
Rate of temp wage inflation the softest since May 2021
Hourly pay rates for temporary staff increased further in October, stretching the current sequence of inflation to just short of two years. Anecdotal evidence suggested that a combination of high demand for staff and a shortage in available labour drove the increase in temp wages. That said, the rate of inflation was the softest since May 2021. The rise in the Midlands was also the weakest of the four monitored English regions. London recorded the steepest increase in temporary pay, followed by the South of England.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Kate Holt, people consulting partner at KPMG UK, said: “The looming recession is clearly impacting the UK jobs market. Candidates’ reluctance to move as a result of the challenging economic landscape has resulted in higher demand for staff across the Midlands but fewer actual placements. Employers are also improving their benefit and development offerings, which has also made a significant impact in the number of available candidates. “The talent war is ongoing in the Midlands and now more than ever, it’s essential that we focus on upskilling the workforce to support and boost economic recovery when it comes. The jobs market will bounce back, particularly if we invest in the skills of the workforce across all sectors of the economy.” Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, said: “The economic and political uncertainty of September and October has caused employers to become more cautious in their approach to hiring than during the frenzy of earlier in the year. “We’ve witnessed permanent placements decline in the Midlands for the first time since February 2021 and a second consecutive reduction in temporary billings in October. Activity overall, is still well in advance of pre-pandemic levels, however. We will need to watch how this story develops over months to come, but so far this data suggests heightened employer caution, not a retreat from the market. “It remains the case that firms in many sectors are struggling to hire, as hours worked remain below their pre-pandemic level despite record-low unemployment. We’re looking to the Autumn Statement later this month to help with removing the brakes on growth by reforming the apprenticeship levy to build a more effective skills system, improving support to help people move from inactivity to work, and align other policy areas – like work permits – with a growth strategy.”Nottingham retail warehouse sold for £7m
Independent out-of-town agent XPROP, on behalf of Bradda Capital, has completed the sale of Mansfield Retail Park, Nottingham for in excess of £7m.
GPLI acted on behalf of an active private client as they further diversified their portfolio.
Comprising 37,955 sq ft of retail warehouse occupied by Go Outdoors, Carpetright and Topps Tiles this investment offers over 12 years of income security, a large proportion of which is guaranteed by JD Sports Fashion PLC.
The property has a dominant trading position fronting Mansfield Road (A60) in a thriving roadside, retail and commercial area to the North of Nottingham City Centre.
David Griffiths, director, GPLI, says: “We are delighted to have secured this investment on behalf of a private client. In a period of permacrisis, the long term stability and consistency of income offered by this investment demonstrates one of the core advantages of commercial property.
“As our client continues to diversify their portfolio we look forward to securing more opportunities across sector and across the UK.”
David Phillips, Managing Director of Bradda Capital, said: “We are very pleased to have closed the sale of this property bought for income 12 years ago and generated a gross IRR of 17.5%. This is a fantastic result and a testament to the quality of the assets that we target – and the execution capability of our team.”
Alpkit scales new heights with latest Crowdfunding campaign
Nottingham outdoor retailer, Alpkit, has far exceeded its £750,000 crowdfunding target, raising a total of over £2.3m to date, through Crowdcube.
The company, which has multiple sites in key locations across the UK, has also seen demand increase from international markets across Europe and the US.
Alpkit are a performance outdoor & bike brand, targeting mountain enthusiasts, who run, hike, climb, camp, swim and bike. Having increased sales to £14m in just eight years, they have opened 5 new stores and become a B Corp since their 2020 raise.
In 2020 the company raised £1.5m from 1350 customers in less than an hour. It was one of Crowdcubes fastest ever and Alpkit’s premoney valuation has increased by 44% since then.
Alpkit is now looking to grow its UK & international web sales and have ambitious plans to open 2 stores a year and set up a European hub.
David Hanney, CEO and co-founder says, “Having customers as shareholders helps us stay aligned to our purpose. And when we do that, our business flourishes – we know we’ll still be making great product and doing good things not just in 5 years but in 25 years.”
The crowdfunding campaign remains open for a further 4 days
900 jobs at risk as Bakkavor announces closure of two East Midlands sites
900 jobs are at risk in the East Midlands region as Bakkavor announces closure of two local factories.
The company is proposing to close Bakkavor Salads in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire and Bakkavor Desserts in Leicester, with around 900 staff working between the two sites.
The company blames the macro-economic backdrop and in particular consumer sentiment in the UK , which it says remains very challenging.
In a press statement the company states: “As reported in our Half Year Results announcement in September, the significant level of inflation and consumer headwinds we are continuing to face are expected to persist into next year.
“Recent investments across our UK operations to enhance our capacity and capabilities provide us with a strong platform on which to further leverage our scale and flexibility. Therefore, as we seek to protect our business, we have undertaken a detailed review of our UK footprint. We are proposing to close two sites; Bakkavor Salads in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire and Bakkavor Desserts in Leicester. Our other UK sites have the capacity and capabilities to continue to fully service our customers should these proposals go ahead.
“As a business that invests in the development of its people, rewards long service and invests in the local communities in which we operate, it is with great sadness that this difficult but necessary business decision may impact a number of our colleagues. Across the two sites, we employ over 900 colleagues.
“We will shortly be commencing a 45-day consultation period with affected colleagues and their representatives at both sites. If the proposals go ahead, we will do everything we can to support our colleagues and try to minimise job losses. We are committed to offering our weekly paid colleagues comparable roles at a different Bakkavor site, and for those where this is not possible, we will be working on several initiatives to help colleagues secure alternative employment opportunities in their local area.”
Mike Edwards, CEO, commented:“As with businesses all over the UK, we are having to take decisive action to adapt to the challenging macro-economic backdrop. The decision to close any site is never taken lightly, and we do not underestimate the impact of this announcement on our colleagues and the local communities within which we operate. We remain committed to both protecting our business and doing everything we can to support our people through this difficult time.”
£21k pa savings for Academy following ground breaking environmental project
A Lincolnshire Academy is investing in a ground-breaking environmental scheme which will slash energy bills and reduce its carbon footprint.
A heat pump, thought to be the first of its kind in northern Lincolnshire, will replace the 31-year-old system to help provide the heating and hot water in a £520,000 scheme.
Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust has secured the funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) as part of its Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, delivered by Salix Finance.
The scheme aims to put the public sector at the forefront of decarbonising buildings in the UK.
The school has also installed 359 solar panels at the site and swopped out all internal lights to LED.
The project is expected to save more than 3,000 tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide being emitted into the earth’s atmosphere over its 25-year lifespan.
Trust Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown said unpredictable and increasing costs of oil, together with the opportunity of funding, prompted the move.
“Somercotes is our only Academy where heating is provided by oil,” he said.
“We’re proud to be installing energy efficient, air source heat pump technology and showing our students we are reducing our environmental impact, something as young people they feel very strongly about.
“The scheme will also help with rising energy costs. Oil for the old boiler system costs around £20,000 annually, expected to rise to between £25,000 and £30,000 this winter.”
The air source heat pump is estimated to save almost £9,000 a year and the solar panels more than £12,000 through on-site generation.
“With all the improvements, we’re anticipating a cost saving of £21,000 annually, money which can be used to benefit students elsewhere in the Academy,” said Mr Brown.
Salix Finance delivers funding on behalf of Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and also offers support and expertise to the public sector to decarbonise, improve energy efficiency and lower bills.
The project was driven by Rob Middleton, Facilities Officer at LGAT. He and Facilities Manager Mark Shadbolt watched as the £200,000, 7.5-tonne heat pump, was dropped into its position using a 75-tonne crane.
He said: “I saw the scheme through doing some research last October and we heard of our successful bid in February, so it’s been a long road to this point.
“It’s going to have a dramatic impact on our carbon emissions. The heat pump will reduce the carbon dioxide produced every year by 69%, preventing 98 tonnes going into the atmosphere annually. The solar panels will account for a further 26 tonnes and changing to LED lights 25 tonnes.”
Mr Shadbolt said: “Seeing it in situ is a big relief. Rob’s put in a huge amount of work to get it to this point and we’re just looking forward to progressing with the scheme.”
The switch from oil to the heat pump is scheduled to be completed in the February half term.
The solar panels across three rooftops have been installed and are already generating up to 50% of the school’s required energy. The heat pump will make up the shortfall.
Smart metering and a building energy management system will provide data to ensure the system is operating effectively.
Fouad Amuni, client support officer at Salix Finance, said: “Working on the Trust’s decarbonisation project has been really exciting and inspiring.
“They got rid of a 31-year-old fossil heating system and are replacing it with clean, energy efficient heat pumps.
“They’re also adding solar panels and Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS).
“They’re making a really positive environmental impact by saving over 3,000 of tonnes of carbon over the next 25 years and at the same time educating future generations about the importance of renewable and sustainable energy.”
IM Properties pushes button on 340,000 sq ft net zero scheme at Hinckley park
IM Properties is pushing forward with a new 340,000 sq ft speculatively built Net Zero Ready logistics and manufacturing unit on its Hinckley Park employment scheme.
The delivery of Hinckley 340 is part of the final phase of development on the remaining 18 acres at Hinckley Park, providing a new HQ facility opportunity with two storey offices, alongside two other smaller buildings of 47,000 and 60,000 sq ft .
Located next to junction 1, M69, Hinckley Park has already created jobs for 1500 people and is a proven prime location, home to DPD who have one of Europe’s largest and most technically advanced parcel depots and a 532,000 sq ft unit let to Amazon.
An industry leading specification in line with the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) recommendations will set Hinckley 340 apart and reflect the ambitions of IM Properties’ new Sustainable Future’s framework.
Hinckley 340 will be delivered as *Net Zero in Construction and **Net Zero Ready which means the building will be optimised to allow occupiers to be ***Net Zero in Operations.
It will target BREAM Excellent and an EPC A rating with solar PV roof coverage, EV charging spaces, cycle storage facilities and have an active travel plan in place to include a regular bus service and a network of cycle paths and footways for future occupiers and their staff.
Harry Goodman, development manager at IM Properties says despite the economic headwinds the company felt Hinckley Park offered a compelling case for investment.
“The key drivers of location, labour and connectivity have always stood out for the employment park, set on the borders of the East & West Midlands and just a short distance from the major conurbations of Leicester and Coventry.
“It draws on a large catchment area for last mile delivery operators and is also close to air and rail hubs including BIFT and Hams Hall Railports which appeals to the rich source of supply chain operators in the Midlands.”
Goodman continues: “The increased transparency required for all businesses on the sustainability front allows Hinckley 340 to aid occupiers in futureproofing their operations ahead of regulation and set a benchmark within their own sectors.
“As a major investor in the Midlands, we hope to use our influence to help set industry standards and work alongside our occupiers and supply chain to create positive change and reduce carbon emissions.”
Working in partnership with the main contractor, Winvic Construction Ltd, IM Properties continues to play an active role in the community, committing through an Employment and Skills Charter to provide training and employment opportunities for local businesses and individuals at all stages of construction on site.
IM Properties is represented by local agents Wells McFarlane and CBRE and Avison Young.
Downsized plans submitted for Lincoln Imp’s Stacey West Stand project
Lincoln City FC Directors have downsized plans for the redevelopment of the iconic Stacey West Stand at the LNER Stadium.
Original plans for the stand included an extra tier with a hospitality suite, boosting capacity by around 1,500, but due to the current economic climate, the project will now proceed as a two-tier development.
In a press statement, the club said: “Against the acute backdrop of an economic climate that has further weakened, and which remains both challenging and volatile, this project has presented many challenges which were unforeseen at its outset three years ago. Despite this, the board’s non-negotiable position on investment remains unchanged – firmly and responsibly committed to growth and progress, but without placing the financial future of the club at risk.
“Following a further project review, the board concluded that the original proposal would present an unacceptable risk to this commitment. Nevertheless, it remains absolutely dedicated to investing in infrastructure, and to delivering on the original project objectives – increasing capacity, improving fan experience and creating new community facilities.
“Therefore, to maximise the £1.8m already secured from various grant funds and investment from supporters and investors alike, the project will now proceed with a two-tier development, omitting a proposed third-tier hospitality suite, demonstrating that the club remains fully committed to increasing its social impact in the community through the vital work delivered by Lincoln City Foundation.
“Building a new Community Skills and Education Hub will help tackle the growing skills gap in the city by providing the Foundation with a fit-for-purpose facility from which it can champion the delivery of education and employability skills, all under the brand of the football club. The contemporary new-build will offer community space, offices and dedicated classrooms, enabling the club to increase its social impact value and improve the quality of life of local residents through its wide range of educational, health and well-being initiatives.
“Following a successful pilot scheme in early 2022 and a recent landmark change in legislation, the club will seize upon this new opportunity by investing in rail seating. Working closely with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, the club have submitted an application to trial ‘safe-standing’ in a small section of the Stacey West Stand – with the intention of installing rail seats throughout the entire stand should the trial be successful.
“In addition, the club will install barriers in Upper 7 of the GBM Stand to facilitate the safe-standing of supporters in that area. If successful, along with improving stadium aesthetics and fan experience, this significant investment in infrastructure would place Lincoln City as a leading player in safe-standing at football stadia in England, and also offer the potential to increase the LNER Stadium capacity to 11,500.
The project will also benefit from some key infrastructure improvements including:
• Investment in a new mains water supply to the LNER Stadium, addressing the much- needed demand for improved services for supporters
• Investment in power supply to the LNER Stadium, part of a longer-term strategic plan to become more energy-efficient, which will also enable other further plans such as enhancements to the University of Lincoln Fan Village
• Investment in a new, state-of-the-art recycling irrigation system which aims to re-use up to 50% of the water used to irrigate the fibre sand pitch, providing much-needed economic and environmental benefits and a major step forward as part of the club’s climate action plan
T”he matchday experience will be further enhanced by using the new Hub in other ways such as a social space, a shelter for vulnerable fans, family activities or a multi-faith prayer room.
“In line with the board’s vision to have a home that is contemporary, accessible, has soul and reflects the strength of the club’s ambition, this project is just one of many potential investments into infrastructure from a maintained list of future opportunities to upgrade the stadium as part of a longer-term plan.”
If only taxes were the only barrier to growth: By James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants
James Pinchbeck, partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, considers the barriers to, and avenues for, business growth.
The mini-Budget or fiscal event on Friday 23 September not only sought to address, in part, the cost-of-living crisis with its energy support bill but also to unleash the country’s economic potential with the lowering of taxes. The focus being on putting an end to what has been described as economic stagnation.
Having a tax regime that incentivises or motivates entrepreneurs and business leaders to start and grow enterprises needless to say is key, however it is perhaps only one element of what empowers, drives or facilitates growth.
Against a backdrop of a pandemic most businesses will have probably been more in survival mode as opposed to growth. Whilst innate resilience, along with financial support from the government, has no doubt helped organisations weather the storm, many in business are still recovering. Growth therefore may not yet be back on the agenda, or part of a short term or even longer-term strategy. Few business owners therefore probably have a growth mindset.
For those striving for growth there appears to be a number of key barriers, not just the current tax regime. Certainly, one of the biggest barriers, not just for growth but for just maintaining business, is the lack of available labour and skills to fulfill key vacancies. New approaches to recruitment and ways of working have in part helped to ease the situation, however much more needs to be done as part of a longer-term approach.
For those fortunate to be operating in a growing market, increasing revenue is somewhat easier than for those operating in a mature sector. For the latter, growth is more dependent on looking at innovation in terms of service and product and gaining a competitive advantage to take market share. For some growth may come about through increasing their geographical coverage.
When it comes to growing a business, it invariably requires investment, whether it’s in new products, business processes and systems, people or sales and marketing. Access to either own funds and external finance make such investment therefore key. Having the wherewithal is one thing, having the confidence to make such an investment is another. In uncertain times, and with the rising cost of finance, many will perhaps defer such a commitment.
Business growth fundamentally requires business leaders to have confidence in the market they operate and economic certainty, along with their organisations’ capabilities, competence and capacity to deliver growth.
Whilst growth may be close to the heart of many an entrepreneur or business owner, unless the conditions are right for it perhaps greater focus in the current climate should be around consolidation and improving profitability. A drive for growth can often be at the cost of increasing the value of what you already have. Perhaps a more balanced approach is what should be strived for.
See this article in the November edition of East Midlands Business Link Magazine here.
