Two more ecologists join EMEC
In response to the growth in construction projects and an increase in demand from landowners and developers requiring advice on how to meet government legislation regarding biodiversity net gain, East Midlands Environmental Consultancy (EMEC) has appointed two new ecologists.
Joining the company are senior ecologist Vicky Philpott and ecologist Laura McClelland.
Vicky, who lives near Swadlincote, South Derbyshire, holds a BSc (Hons) in Biology, a Certificate in Ecological Consultancy, Level 2 class licence to survey for bats and Level 1 class licence to survey for great crested newts. She is also an associate member of CIEEM and completed mental health training courses.
Prior to joining EMEC, Vicky worked for Natural England as a Wildlife Lead Adviser which included assessing licence applications for bats, piscivorous birds and geese. She has also worked for other ecological consultancies rising from graduate to senior ecologist.
In her new role, Vicky will undertake and lead habitat and species surveys, manage projects, and help manage a team of other ecologists.
Commenting on her appointment, Vicky said: “EMEC’s affiliation with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust certainly appealed and I’m very excited to get involved with the wide variety of projects that EMEC is currently working on.”
Laura, lives in Stoke on Trent, and has previously worked at a number of other consultancies where she has built her skills and experience.
She holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Conversation, MSc in Ecology and Conservation, great crested newt licence, a Field Identification Skills Certificate, as well as qualifications in tree climbing and aerial rescue.
In her new role as an ecologist, Laura will carry out species surveys, manage projects and be doing QGIS mapping, biodiversity impact assessments and helping clients to deliver biodiversity net gain.
Laura added: “During my interview I got a really good feeling about the company and was delighted to be offered the role, especially because all the profits EMEC make will be directly re-invested in conservation via NWT. This was a huge attraction for me.”
East Midlands business coaching firm reaches 50 member milestone
Business coaching franchise ActionCOACH Loughborough is celebrating reaching 50 members in its portfolio.
With franchises in more than 140 countries, ActionCOACH Loughborough provides bespoke, support, guidance and training, to enable business owners to find clarity on personal and business development.
Led by Matt Bull – UK Coach of the Year 2021 – ActionCOACH Loughborough saw a significant surge in demand for its services during the pandemic and the level of interest from business owners has continued.
Managing director Matt, said: “Since joining the Loughborough team five years ago and taking ownership of the business earlier this year, I have watched the business go from strength-to-strength and with new members also comes the need for new team members.
“Throughout this time, we have evolved our services to meet the needs of business owners as we continue to live in changeable times, and as our focus has always been a community-first approach, we have added group coaching, group planning days and networking events to our core 121 coaching. People thrive and always benefit from spending time with likeminded people, to share challenges but also celebrate successes.
“Myself and the team are really pleased to have reached the 50 member milestone which is something we have been working towards – and I want to say a big thank you to those members who chose to come on their own journey of business and personal growth and trust us to support them on the journey.”
The firm continues to put its ambitious growth plans into action and the team are now working on delivering its five-year plan to help 500 clients across all membership options by 2026.
Matt continued: “We love what we do and seeing the transformation and impact we have on businesses and the business owners themselves is just incredible.
“It is tough being a business owner in this current economic climate, but that just makes us more determined to help and confident that there is a real need for what do – providing the tools needed to achieve personal and business goals.”
New logistics training launched in Leicestershire
Logistics sector leaders have welcomed the launch of a new training centre that will support the vital supply chain that underpins the UK economy, offering a robust ‘career ladder’ for its workforce. Speaking at the launch of the Centre for Logistics Education and Research (CLEAR) at GLP’s Magna Park development in Lutterworth, Clare Bottle, CEO of the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) said that the sector brings significant opportunities for employees to progress and benefit from engaging careers.
Also speaking at the event, James Wroath, CEO of Wincanton, the leading supply chain partner for UK business, welcomed the launch of CLEAR saying that ‘sustainable supply chain value’ was dependent on ‘great people’. He added, “Attracting, recruiting, and retaining the best people within our business is of paramount importance in this dynamic market where individuals can easily switch to a new employer. To achieve our ambition of delivering value to our customers efficiently and safely, we need to continually focus on developing and nurturing our employees by ensuring that we look after their wellbeing and invest in high-quality, consistent training.”
CLEAR is the brainchild of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) which is working in collaboration with supply chain partner Wincanton and leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, GLP to provide skills training and professional development at all levels across the spectrum of logistics and supply chain roles.
Its launch was marked by an event held at Bittesby House on 30 September 2022 where speakers also included Ian Howe, Director of Logistics for Screwfix. Guests included Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, Cllr Phillip King, the leader of Harborough District Council and Cllr David Findlay from Blaby District Council.
Currently based at Bittesby House within the Magna Park Northern extension of the Lutterworth development, CLEAR will eventually move to a bespoke, state of the art facility. Further and higher education will work together to offer seamless progression through the levels of qualification and learning and the research capacity of a large regional university will enable continual development of a relevant training offer.
Paying tribute to supporters of the centre, Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said, “Today we learned from Clare Bottle at UKWA that there are around 165 different types of jobs available in warehousing, a fascinating statistic that helps to highlight the real potential of careers in the sector.
“Our ambitions for CLEAR are based on offering a holistic one-stop-shop training service both from its base at Magna Park and also remotely online, enabling a flexible skills pathway tailored to meet the needs of specific businesses and providing individuals with well-defined opportunities to progress their careers.
“Businesses can train one or many members of their team with flexible start dates and bespoke provision and students will be able to move seamlessly between training partners as their development needs progress and skills gaps are identified, improving retention, and driving down costs.
“CLEAR can get training programmes up and running very quickly as it already has systems in place to fulfil training design briefs at all levels. Commissioning training through CLEAR will bring shorter lead times between the identification of training needs and students starting their courses or programmes.”
“I would like to thank Harborough District Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire LEP for their unstinting commitment to the development of this initiative. We have benefited enormously from the advice and support of our industry partner Wincanton. I am also extremely grateful to Gwyn Stubbings, Senior Planning Director from GLP whose investment made this development possible.”
Magna Park Lutterworth, the UK and Europe’s premier logistics hub, developed by GLP over the past 35 years is currently home to over 35 blue chip businesses within 46 buildings. The Park extends to over 13 million square feet of floor space and will expand to 16 million square feet over 1,350 acres via the Northern and Southern expansion project. It is centrally located within the so-called “logistics golden triangle’ between the M1, M6 and M69 motorways.
CLEAR will provide the platform for a future national centre of excellence with a campus that will accommodate, when fully operational, up to 1,000 students as well as providing applied research and associated facilities.
International Bomber Command Centre unveils Falkland Islands tribute
The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), Lincoln has unveiled a new installation paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the 1982 war on The Falkland Islands with Argentina.
On display at the IBCC until January 2023, the remembrance installation has been created by Standing with Giants, a voluntary community project set up by founder Dan Barton, and is identical to another currently in The Falkland Islands.
The poignant display represents 255 silhouetted life-size figures of Seafarers, Royal Marines, Army, and Airmen and three civilians who lost their lives during the 1982 war on The Falkland Islands with Argentina. It commemorates the 40th anniversary of liberation on June 14th, 2022.
The silhouettes are framed by poppy wreaths marking the installation’s purpose – recognition and remembrance.
IBCC’s CEO, Nicky van der Drift, says: “The IBCC’s focus has always been on honouring those who served and remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is a huge honour for us to be able to pay tribute to the fallen of the Falkland’s War with this powerful and emotive installation. To have it here over the Remembrance week will bring additional poignancy for visitors.”
On display at the IBCC until January 2023, the remembrance installation has been created by Standing with Giants, a voluntary community project set up by founder Dan Barton, and is identical to another currently in The Falkland Islands.
The poignant display represents 255 silhouetted life-size figures of Seafarers, Royal Marines, Army, and Airmen and three civilians who lost their lives during the 1982 war on The Falkland Islands with Argentina. It commemorates the 40th anniversary of liberation on June 14th, 2022.
The silhouettes are framed by poppy wreaths marking the installation’s purpose – recognition and remembrance.
IBCC’s CEO, Nicky van der Drift, says: “The IBCC’s focus has always been on honouring those who served and remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is a huge honour for us to be able to pay tribute to the fallen of the Falkland’s War with this powerful and emotive installation. To have it here over the Remembrance week will bring additional poignancy for visitors.”
Dronfield-based Belmayne hand out over £16,000 to local charities
Dronfield-based independent financial planners, Belmayne, have handed over £16,000 to four small local charities – the result of just nine months’ fundraising.
The total amount donated is being split equally between the organisations the firm chose as its charities of the year, giving each one £4,000 to spend on the valuable services they provide
Benefiting from Belmayne’s endeavours are Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team, Disability Awareness with Sport, Sheffield Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and Sight Support Derbyshire.
More than £12,000 was raised at Belmayne’s charity ball, held in May, which was attended by around 150 people. The event included a raffle and live auction of prizes kindly donated by friends and colleagues of the firm. The top selling items were tickets to see England play New Zealand at Twickenham, which sold for £800 and a signed Sheffield United shirt that raised £450.
Partner, Ben Smalley, also completed the 112-mile Tour of the Peaks with three friends on behalf of the Belmayne Foundation, raising more than £1,000. He said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the family, friends, clients and colleagues who have supported our fundraising efforts this year and enabled us to donate such a substantial sum to our annual charities. Each has a very different remit, but I have no doubt all of them will put the money to excellent use.”
The Belmayne Foundation was set up by the firm’s four partners in 2019 to aid small local charities who support health and wellbeing and provide relief for those in need.
Abigail Beaney, fundraiser at Sight Support Derbyshire, added: “In terms of corporate partners, Belmayne definitely deserves a gold medal – we never expected to receive so much money! The ball was great fun and the team has been great to work with. All in all, it has been a brilliant experience.”
Global automotive industry leader launches new lecture series at Nottingham Business School
The executive vice president of manufacturing for Toyota Motor Europe will deliver the first in a new series of Business Leaders Lectures at Nottingham Business School which begins next week.
Marvin Cooke studied electrical and electronic engineering at Nottingham Trent University before a career in the automotive industry that has culminated in him taking on one of the most senior roles in Europe with the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer.
He will talk about his experiences as a business leader and the lessons he has learned so far during his career when he delivers the inaugural lecture in the new series on 11 October.
The Business Leaders Lecture series is part of a programme of events organised by Nottingham Business School to give students, the wider business community and alumni the opportunity to hear directly from people who lead public and private sector organisations which help shape the world around us.
Professor Baback Yazdani, executive dean of Nottingham Business School, said: “Nottingham Business School is one of the leading institutions for business education in the UK and Europe and over the years we have educated and trained thousands of people who have gone on to take leadership positions.
“The Business Leaders Lecture series is part of our commitment to ensuring that we combine that academic excellence with a positive impact on the world around us by sharing insights about the lessons leaders have learned while confronting challenges, innovating and driving progress.”
Marvin Cooke’s lecture – which is open to students and the wider business community – will be the first in a series of lectures from October onwards. Details about the leaders who will deliver the other lectures in the series will be announced later.
He is expected to explore how Toyota is pursuing its goal of becoming a mobility company, changing its business model from designing, producing and selling vehicles to one where it provides services in which vehicles are incorporated into a system.
Marvin said: “At Toyota, one of our founding principles is to be studious and creative, always striving to stay ahead of the times.
“One of the most effective ways to do that is to share learning – to contribute to development in the community we’re part of. So I’m delighted to take part in the Nottingham Business School Business Leaders Lecture series and I look forward to seeing you there!”
Melanie Currie, deputy dean of Nottingham Business School, added: “One of the key characteristics of leaders is that they never stop learning – from the teams they work with, the organisations they’re part of and the communities they serve.
“Our Business Leaders Lecture Series enables them to share those lessons with a wider audience.
“Whether you’re a student or in business, this is your opportunity to come along and hear from people who lead organisations which help to shape our world.”
Marvin Cooke will deliver his lecture at Nottingham Business School in the Newton Building, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham on Tuesday 11 October from 5:30-7pm. To register for the event, go online to www.ntu.ac.uk/BLLS
BDO expands Midlands team with senior forensics hire
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has expanded its Midlands team with the senior appointment of John Rouse as partner.
John joins the Forensic Accounting and Valuation Services team and brings over 20 years’ experience in Forensic advisory, disputes work, investigations and M&A disputes. He brings a strong network, built while leading teams both regionally and nationally. At BDO, John will be responsible for helping to expand the M&A Forensics practice and Midlands Forensics proposition, as well as working collaboratively with other areas of the business.
Sat Plaha, partner and head of Regional Forensic Services, said: “We’re delighted to welcome someone of John’s calibre to our team locally and nationally. He will strengthen our position as a leader in forensic disputes and investigations, which will be spearheaded from 1 November by three partners in the Midlands – the only firm in the region with this level of senior, highly specialised capability.
“His in-depth knowledge of the regional and national Forensic and Forensic M&A markets will add great value to our offering. John possesses considerable experience in working with businesses of all shapes and sizes, from OMBs to publicly listed companies across a broad range of sectors, and this expertise will be vital in building our presence over the next 12 to 18 months.”
John – an avid runner and coach at Derby Athletic Club – said: “I’m really excited to join BDO, after many years at my previous firm, where I started as a graduate in 1996. Having the opportunity to work alongside colleagues in both the Midlands and the national practice will allow me to put my experience to best use, and I’m really looking forward to working closely with the regional team to help support their individual ambitions and personal development.”
The Forensic Accounting and Valuation Services team specialises in a variety of areas, including dispute resolution, fraud, financial crime, and anti-corruption. It works alongside a range of organisations, from professional firms and private clients, to regulators, enforcement agencies, governments and not-for-profit organisations, both in the UK and overseas.
Kyla Bellingall, partner and head of the Midlands at BDO LLP, added: “We are firmly committed in the region to investing in the very best talent and John’s arrival demonstrates our drive and ambition to bring onboard key individuals who will play a vital role in our growth journey as a business. Forensic disputes is a growing area and forms an important part of our proposition – a service offering that has real strength and depth across a broad range of specialisms both regionally and nationally.”
Main work to transform Glossop Halls set to start
The main construction work to Glossop’s heritage halls is set to start this week.
High Peak Borough Council is leading the regeneration project to bring the Town Hall, Market Hall and Municipal Buildings up to modern standards – creating jobs and new spaces for community use, entrepreneurs and micro-businesses alongside the introduction of energy saving technologies and fibre broadband.
The £7m scheme is being funded by the council including a £2m grant contribution from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership via their Getting Building Fund.
Council leader, councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: “We’ve reached another exciting milestone in this once-in-a-generation project to modernise these historic halls and re-open them to the public.
“This multi-million pound transformation project will put these locally important and much-loved buildings at the heart of a rejuvenated town centre and secure them for generations to come.”
The council tender inviting parties interested in managing the buildings and the services delivered from them when the construction work is complete will be open from Thursday 6 October.
Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy leader and executive councillor for regeneration, tourism and leisure, said: “People will be delighted to learn that the council is moving on at pace with the physical aspects of this major scheme which will inject new life into the town centre as part of our commitment to delivering thriving high streets across the High Peak.
“At the same time, we’re now seeking a partner to manage the refreshed, re-purposed buildings and the enhanced leisure, retail and business spaces they will provide.
“Like most Glossopians, I am inspired by the potential this upgraded, important building complex has to meet our council and community’s shared ambitions and we’re looking forward to hearing the ideas and visions of those interested in working with us to make sure it becomes a reality.
“In the meantime, Glossop market will continue to operate as normal outdoors so please support your traders, and other town centre businesses, by continuing to shop local.”
Major projects for Newark progressing at pace
Projects for Newark are rapidly moving forward following successful bids to central government and a mixture of public and private funding. This includes the priority projects highlighted in the Newark Town Investment Plan, which was submitted by the Newark Towns Fund Board and awarded with £25m funding from central government.
Construction for two projects is planned to start as soon as this month. This includes the redevelopment of 32 Stodman Street (the former Marks & Spencer), which is currently out for tender to procure a build contractor, and the Air and Space Institute (ASI). Plans are also moving forward for the Castle Gatehouse project, the Newark Gateway site, the Cultural Heart of Newark project and the Newark Southern Link Road (SLR).
Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Co-chair of Newark Towns Fund Board, said: “The progress that is being made on several very large projects for Newark, simultaneously, is incredible. It has been just 18 months since we found out we received Towns Fund investment and already we have a new Construction College and a fantastic new facility for the whole community at the YMCA Community and Activity Village in Newark.
“Projects such as Newark’s Southern Link Road (SLR) are long-standing priorities for the District Council and we will not stop seeking to deliver investment opportunities for our district.”
The Newark Gateway site comprises the site of the former Livestock Market and existing Newark Lorry Park. Phase I of the delivery involves the ASI, which is due for completion in early 2024. Phase II involves the potential relocation and expansion of the Lorry Park due to the likely impacts of the A46 Newark Northern Bypass and its redevelopment with a Smart Innovation, Supply Chain and Logistics Zone (SiScLog). The National Highways proposals for the Newark A46 Northern Bypass will be the subject of statutory consultation starting later this month.
Plans to complete the Newark Southern Link Road (SLR), which will form the missing link of Newark’s outer loop road by connecting the A46 at Farndon to the A1 at Balderton, are also moving forward. Final designs are agreed with National Highways and Nottinghamshire County Council, including a replacement A46 junction design which secured planning permission last month. Tenders have been issued by the developer for contractors to build the road in anticipation of a start on site in early 2023.
Castle Gatehouse has successfully secured Phase I National Heritage Lottery Funding to develop the visitor attraction and community hub and is progressing to Phase II. The Cultural Heart of Newark project has established an enhanced events programme, which included the ‘Newark on Sea’ beach event in 2022 and will move to deliver a full business case by March 2023 for further events in 2023 and 2024.
Newark Construction College opened in September 2021 and has now welcomed its second year of students, with 100 undertaking gas, electrical and brick laying courses. The YMCA Community and Activity Village also opened in July 2022, providing sports, education, training, hospitality and childcare facilities to the public. In addition, three Brompton Bike docking stations have been installed in Newark to support the ’20-Minute Cycle Town’ project; one in the heart of the Middlebeck development, one at Newark Bus Station and another at Newark Castle Train Station.
56,760 sq ft cold storage facility snapped up in Alfreton
St. Modwen, the logistics developers and managers, has continued its expansion in the Midlands with the acquisition of a 56,760 sq ft cold storage distribution facility in Alfreton, Derbyshire.
The modern, two-chamber cold storage distribution facility is located on the Clover Nook Industrial Estate in Alfreton, adjacent to the A38 and Junction 28 of the M1 motorway and on the major North-South distribution corridor.
The site spans 5.31 acres with low site coverage of 25% and currently provides 161 car parking spaces and a further 30 dedicated HGV bays with the capacity to accommodate the installation of EV charging points.
Alfreton, by virtue of its central location equidistant from Nottingham and Derby, has become one of the UK’s major submarkets for distribution and logistics companies.
There is strong local demand for high-quality mid box distribution centres with strong transport connectivity, seeing high levels of take-up among occupiers seeking urban depots to serve surrounding towns and cities.
Supply of suitable mid box schemes within the Midlands is limited, with low levels of available stock and significant competition between occupiers for best-in-class units.
Polly Troughton, Managing Director, St Modwen Logistics, said: “The acquisition of this high-quality, modern facility allows us to further expand our footprint in one of the UK’s most competitive logistics locations.
“Our continued acquisition and development of high-quality logistics space within undersupplied regional submarkets across the UK fuels the growth of regional economies. Our schemes create high-quality jobs for local people of all ages and all education levels, directly supporting the government’s levelling up agenda.”
