Nottingham achieves a 57% reduction in carbon emissions

Steve Fisher
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Nottingham achieves a 57% reduction in carbon emissions
Nottingham has reduced its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 57.7% per person in the last 15 years the latest review of the city’s Carbon Neutral Action Plan shows. This is the highest reduction for any core city in the country. The City Council and partner organisations across Nottingham have been delivering the plan for two years in order to tackle climate change. Positive results are being achieved and this is reflected in the city’s overall CO2 emissions levels. The Carbon Neutral Action Plan covers a range of themes that impact CO2 emissions in Nottingham that aim to:
  • Reduce CO2 emissions across six key areas: transport, energy generation, the built environment (buildings), water, waste and consumption (what we buy and use)
  • Remove CO2 from the atmosphere
  • Protect and enhance nature
  • Protect the city from extreme weather events
Nottingham is aiming to be the first city in the UK to become carbon neutral by 2028, which is the most ambitious climate and environmental target in the country. The climate crisis remains one of the most complex challenges that our society faces, but over the past year the City Council has delivered some impressive achievements:
  • Nottingham is considered one of the top 100 cities in the world for climate action
  • Progress has been made to decarbonise vehicles in the city, with over 50% of the council’s fleet running on electric battery power while 30% of the city’s buses are either electric or run on biogas
  • Work has begun on an innovative wireless taxi pilot project, which is a first for the UK
  • To date, over 13,000 energy efficiency improvements have been made to social and privately owned homes through the Greener HousiNG schemes
  • 9,000 new trees were planted in 2021-22 which , lower the temperature of the city, and make Nottingham greener
  • Properties across Nottingham have been made more resilient to the impacts of climate changethrough flood management schemes
  • Thousands of kilos of food waste avoided through redistribution project with FareShare Midlands.
Councillor Sally Longford, Portfolio Holder for Energy, Environment and Waste Services, said: “I’m pleased that we are continuing to reduce CO2 emissions in Nottingham. To have the highest per person reduction in emissions of any core city in the UK is impressive and shows the hard work that we’ve been doing across the council and the city. “However, we need to do even more. This year we’ve seen even more extreme weather events at home and around the world, so we can’t be complacent with the progress we’ve made to date. Together, the City Council, partner organisations, and the residents of Nottingham can come together to do our bit to tackle the climate crisis. “I would like to encourage residents to get involved where they can – our Notts Green Rewards app has loads of suggestions to reduce your carbon footprint. Organisations in Nottingham can sign up to our ‘We Support CN28’ campaign to join more than 40 businesses who have committed to reducing their carbon emissions.” Wayne Bexton, Director of Carbon Reduction, Energy and Sustainability, said: “To achieve a 57.7% reduction in carbon emissions since 2005 and be the leading core city on this agenda is testament to the work happening across the city with partners. We have challenges ahead in order to become carbon neutral, but we should celebrate the progress to date and harness the momentum to keep Nottingham at the forefront of tackling climate change.”

AW Repair Group sold to Steer Automotive Group in multi-million-pound deal

Tess Egginton
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AW Repair Group sold to Steer Automotive Group in multi-million-pound deal
Azets, the regional accountancy and business advisor to SMEs, has advised on a multi-million-pound sale of specialist accident repair centres, AW Repair Group, to Chiltern Capital-backed Steer Automotive Group. Founded in 1996 by Andrew Walsh, AW Repair Group Limited operates a group of specialist accident repair centres. From its 12 operational sites spread across South Yorkshire and the East Midlands, the business delivers a mix of vehicle accident repair services to its established and growing base of customers in the insurance and manufacturer sector. With over 30 years of experience within the body shop industry, Steer Automotive Group is now the new owner of AW Repair Group. Exiting founder and CEO of AW Repair Group, Andrew Walsh, said: “I started the business at the age of 24 and to negotiate its sale was, at times, emotive, frustrating and also exciting. “Thanks to the guidance from the Azets’ team, namely Martin Poole, Tom Eastwood and Doug Allan, who were always calm, diligent and consistent in their approach and any alternative proposals were always explored. They had a really good understanding of all the intricacies, and worked in partnership with our legal advisors. “We wish the team at Steer Automotive Group all the best and look forward to following their journey.” Martin Poole, partner at Azets, added: “It was a pleasure working with Andrew and Emma, long-standing clients of the firm. Through their hard work, they have grown a business from scratch into one that is at the forefront of the industry. Their commitment and determination through the transaction process has been second to none and they thoroughly deserve the value that they have achieved for all of their efforts. “I have no doubt that the legacy and dedication shown by AW Repair Group’s founder and CEO Andrew and finance and legal director Emma will enable the business to flourish under new ownership.” Azets provided corporate finance, audit and tax advisory services to the shareholders of AW Repair Group Limited.

Melton Building Society appoints local business to carry out Mutual House office revamp

Tess Egginton
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Melton Building Society appoints local business to carry out Mutual House office revamp
Melton Building Society have partnered with fellow Leicester business, Blueprint Interiors, to carry out the refurbishment of their Mutual House offices. Work is set to start in early October to modernise the interior of the well-known building, a landmark passed regularly by commuters travelling along Leicester Road. There will be no disruption to service during the renovations which are intended to improve the functionality of the workspace for Melton Building Society colleagues, and also provide new meeting and event space that will be opened up for use by local charities and community groups. Simon Taylor, CEO of Melton Building Society, commented on the refurbishment plans: “We are thrilled to be able to support a fantastic local business such as Blueprint Interiors by appointing them to carry out the transformation of our offices. “As a mutual, our founding purpose is to ‘build thriving communities’ and so the aim of the revamp is to better accommodate our colleagues, most of whom live locally, with a more efficient work environment and to bring value to our members by investing in our shared future.” Simon continues: “We are very excited to be able to enhance our services by opening up the improved space and inviting our members in on a regular basis – hosting workshops and events and supporting community projects.” As a significant local employer, Melton Building Society has hired 35 new roles this year, taking their total to over 135 colleagues. The planned building works will further support the community by bringing in local firms to provide expertise. Chloe Sproston, creative and commercial director at Blueprint Interiors, comments on the partnership: “It’s been a huge privilege to work alongside The Melton team during our workplace consultancy and design stages. We’ve taken time to understand how its people and processes need to be supported, so that they can deliver on the society’s objective to become a ‘modern mutual’. “The result is a bespoke selection of spaces. From tech driven workspaces to community focused cafes – all perfected to suit the needs and activities of colleagues, members and the wider community. Delivering these transformational spaces is about to begin, and we can’t wait to see it come to life.” The work is set to be completed in the spring of 2023, with plans for a reopening.

Law firm advises on care provider sale

Steve Fisher
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Law firm advises on care provider sale
Flint Bishop has advised on the sale of a residential care business to one of the UK’s leading providers. The law firm has advised the shareholders of Quality Care, a regional provider of residential care for those with learning disabilities and complex needs, on their sale to Choice Care Group. The Flint Bishop transaction team comprised of partner Joel Nixon, senior associate Mark Wilcock and associate Emma Hadley. Nicola Bullock and Chris Jones, of Bates Weston, provided corporate finance advice to the sellers. Joel said: “It was a pleasure to support the team on this successful sale. “Together they have built a strong business from the ground up through their passion and vocation for caring for those in need. “Along with continuity of the management team, it is great to see custody being passed into the hands of an organisation such as Choice, which shares the same values with the needs of its service users at its core.”

Progress made on new Derby nuclear manufacturing and research centre site

Tess Egginton
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Progress made on new Derby nuclear manufacturing and research centre site
The new Nuclear AMRC Midlands site progresses after a successful interim period in the iHub at Infinity Park Derby. Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is “pleased” with the progress of the new 46,904 sq ft research and development design and manufacturing centre at Infinity Park Derby (IPD), for Nuclear AMRC Midlands. Infinity Park Derby is a unique collaboration between Derby City Council, the Harper Crewe Estate, Rolls-Royce and developers IPD LLP, Wilson Bowden and Peveril Securities. The high-quality employment park is located next to the world headquarters of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace and is located within 15 minutes of OEMs such as Toyota, JCB and Alstom. SGP have been involved in the development of the masterplan for Infinity Park Derby since 2001. Working closely with March Developments, who are developers within Infinity Park Derby LLP, as well as Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC), SGP designed a bespoke operational facility to suit the end user’s research and development and advanced manufacturing requirements. Situated on an approximately 2.4 hectares (6 acres) site, the 21,528 sq ft manufacturing centre, with a haunch height of 10m, provides the best layout for flow, positioning of equipment and maximum use of space. The two storey 25,210 sq ft office and welfare facility contains laboratories, testing and prototyping facilities along with technical development offices. A double height atrium marks the entrance to the facility and provides exhibition space to showcase the work carried out at the facility. This new facility for advanced manufacturing is expected to add £52 million to the local Derby economy across a five-year period, supporting SMEs in the area to grow by creating opportunities for research and development. The elevational treatment creates a striking presence in the landscape, using a combination of profiled built-up cladding alongside carefully proportioned flat panel rain screen cladding to create distinctive dark ‘framed boxes’ to define the three volumes. A subtle colour palette enhances the composition whilst the large, glazed volume of the main reception area is set behind projecting brise soleil, which knits together the office and industrial unit. A new, multifunctional green infrastructure has been designed for the site to provide long term environment enhancement and a potentially strategically important area for wetland habitats. The planting of new broadleaved trees and species rich hedgerows will improve biodiversity across the site. The design of the building – a high quality contemporary development reflecting the high technology aspiration for Infinity Park Derby – is an important element in establishing IPD as a key manufacturing base for the East Midlands. The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) awarded Derby City Council over £9m in funding – £6.875m from its Getting Building Fund and £2.2m from its Growing Places Fund – to support the development of a Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at Infinity Park in Derby. The Nuclear AMRC Midlands facility will deliver 70 direct jobs. Nuclear AMRC Midlands will work with companies of all sizes to help them win work in carbon-neutral supply chains as part of the global drive to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Nuclear AMRC Midlands will support 100 businesses through collaborative research and supply chain development projects within the first five years, in high-value sectors such as aerospace, automotive and rail as well as nuclear and other low-carbon energy technologies. Cllr Steve Hassall, portfolio for regeneration, decarbonisation, strategic planning and transport at Derby City Council, said: “We’re pleased to see construction progressing on the new Nuclear AMRC. Construction of this state-of-the-art research and development centre is great news for Derby’s SME businesses. Not only will it offer a huge boost to our local economy, but also cement our place as a national leader for innovation, manufacturing, and world-class research and development.” Andrew Storer, CEO of the Nuclear AMRC, said: “The new Nuclear AMRC Midlands facility will play a vital role in helping manufacturers seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges of the national transition to net zero emissions. “As the first High Value Manufacturing Catapult facility in the East Midlands, we will continue to work closely with local industry, academic and government partners to deliver sustainable growth for decades to come. The coming years will see increasing investment into clean energy and low-carbon technologies, and the region is well placed to capitalise on the opportunity thanks to its wealth of experience, innovation, and engineering expertise.” The facility will bring together Nuclear AMRC and the University of Derby’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Manufacturing (IISE), to carry out research, innovation, supply chain development and teaching with the purpose of developing the skills and capability of businesses in the region and nationally. Professor Warren Manning, Provost – Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “Co-locating our Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering with the Nuclear AMRC opens up new possibilities for our academics, who are already engaged in work to help achieve the UK’s decarbonisation and Net Zero goals in sectors such as rail and logistics.”

Exciting plans for Kings Mill Reservoir revealed

Tess Egginton
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Exciting plans for Kings Mill Reservoir revealed
Artist impressions have been released by Ashfield District Council showing the plans for a new leisure building at Kings Mill Reservoir. The new building will provide modern, accessible changing and storage facilities for  water sports on the ground floor, with a dedicated space for a restaurant on the first floor. The plans will support activities including sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and open water swimming at the reservoir. The new offering will allow more residents and visitors to Kings Mill Reservoir the opportunity to access water sports. The first floor of the new boathouse will be home to an 80-seat restaurant overlooking the water, taking advantage of the spectacular views of the reservoir. The new facilities are due to be completed during the summer of 2024. The new leisure facilities will complement the expansion of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Mill Adventure Base to include new outdoor activities which will be operational in 2023. The plans for the well-loved reservoir are just one of the 17 projects being funded by the £62.6m Towns Fund. The Council was successful in securing the funding from the government in June 2021, and since then have been developing business cases, designs, and plans for the planned projects. Cllr Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration and corporate transformation, said: “The plans for Kings Mill Reservoir are extremely exciting. We can’t wait to be able to open up the offer of a variety of great new activities to visitors. The location of the new restaurant offering will be a fantastic addition to the reservoir, and will bring in even more visitors to Ashfield. “Last week we started work on the dilapidated Yorkshire Bank in Sutton as part of the Future High Streets Fund, and now we are in a position to be able to start releasing plans for the other projects. It is a thrilling time to be an Ashfield resident! “We want to hear from existing or new clubs, and/or individuals, who are keen to get involved in developing and running water sports activities at the reservoir. Please get in touch with the team if you are interested.”

BHP training programmes recruit record numbers

Michael Fisher
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BHP training programmes recruit record numbers
Award-winning accountancy firm BHP has recruited a record number of trainees over the course of the summer. The firm has welcomed 46 new starters across a number of teams including Audit and Accounts, Tax and Corporate Finance. They will be based in BHP’s offices in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Leeds, York and Cleckheaton. BHP’s training programmes take on recruits from a range of backgrounds, including university graduates, school leavers and those who are completing a year-in-industry placement. Trainees are encouraged to work hands-on within their departments and, once their training has been completed, many choose to remain with the firm on a permanent basis. This year’s intake of trainees is higher than BHP’s previous highest intake of 35, who joined the firm in 2020. It follows the firm’s Top 20 ranking in Accountancy Daily’s Top Training Firms of 2021. Lisa Leighton, Joint Managing Partner at BHP, said: “We’re exceptionally proud of our graduate and apprenticeship schemes, which have enabled us to develop and nurture countless trainees over the years, with some of them remaining with BHP ever since. “Investment in the growth and development of our people is crucial, not just for each individual but for the firm as a whole. With each intake of graduates, trainees and placement students, we’re widening the blend of skills, expertise and personality we can call upon – something that will only benefit our clients. I always enjoy watching our new starters grow and develop in their roles and I’m excited to see what our newest recruits can bring to BHP.” Louise Allen, Head of HR at BHP, said: “I’d like to offer a warm welcome to our new trainees and wish them well in their new roles. We’re passionate about providing opportunities to anyone seeking a career in accountancy and, at BHP, we’re very proud of the fact that we take on people from all backgrounds, from undergraduates and graduates to school leavers and career changers.”

Further growth for Nottingham marketing and PR agency

Tess Egginton
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0
Further growth for Nottingham marketing and PR agency
East Midlands marketing and PR agency, V Formation, has boosted its team with the appointment of Andy King as strategic marketing director and Joanne Clark as digital marketing executive. A veteran marketer with over twenty years’ experience across a range of sectors, Andy will spearhead strategic direction across several of V Formation’s key accounts and will use his wide-ranging business development expertise to help drive growth for the agency in the next phase of its ongoing expansion. Having worked with several big-name brands early on in his career, including Raleigh, Boots and Cow & Gate/Milupa, Andy spent the formative part of his professional development at Capital One, where, as marketing and brand specialist, he was responsible for running successful direct marketing campaigns and looking after the company’s internal brand activity. Andy then spent several years in senior marketing and communications roles for Remploy, a leading provider of specialist employment and skills support for disabled people, before taking on the role of commercial director at online florist and gifting company Bunches. He then moved into freelance contracting work, where he advised marketing departments for multiple charities and businesses, including Vision Express. Most recently, Andy has worked as head of marketing and fulfilment at Cambridge Sleep Sciences, a role he will continue alongside his work at V Formation. “V Formation is not your typical marketing agency that provides off-the-shelf services then leaves clients to it,” Andy explains. “The team is incredibly passionate about the work that V Formation does and brings heavyweight strategic insight and advice that adds real value to clients. “Being part of a team where everyone can make a real difference and see where they are adding value is something that excites me. I look forward to working with a range of clients on a variety of initiatives and supporting the agency as it begins its next phase of growth.” Joanne Clark also joins V Formation as digital marketing executive. Highly skilled in creating and implementing digital strategies, Joanne joins the company from Rock Fall Safety Boots, where she was responsible for content creation. Prior to this, she developed her digital marketing and e-commerce management capabilities at True North Sailing, CoMech Metrology and Sewing Online. As digital marketing executive at V Formation, Joanne will assist with the planning, execution and optimisation of digital marketing campaigns for the company and its clients and provide the team with regular insights into current and upcoming digital trends. Commenting on the new appointments, Sue Carr, director at V Formation, said: “With values that are completely in alignment with our own, Andy is a perfect fit for V Formation, and I am confident that his unbeatable skills and experience in the sector will bring enormous benefit to the business. “We’re also really pleased to welcome Joanne to the team. In the short time she has been with us, her creativity and flare for client communications is already shining through, and she has quickly become an integral part of V Formation’s digital team.” “We have made these appointments at a hugely exciting time for V Formation,” Sue explains, “2022 has been a landmark year for us – we celebrated V Formation’s fifteenth anniversary in business, expanded the team, and increased turnover by 27 percent – marking a record year to date. We are looking forward to working with more businesses to provide strategic marketing and PR support as our team continues to grow.”

£200m regeneration scheme takes another step forward as commercial units come to the market

Steve Fisher
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£200m regeneration scheme takes another step forward as commercial units come to the market
Commercial property consultancy Rigby & Co has been instructed by Grainger Plc to find occupiers for the two units at The Condor, the £37 million build-to-rent apartment scheme being constructed in Victoria Street. The scheme forms part of the £200 million Becketwell regeneration scheme, which is being delivered by St James Securities. Two ground floor units are available, sized 2,366 sq ft and 4,158 sq ft respectively. Both units are suitable for a variety of uses including retail, leisure, office and food and beverage services. Russell Rigby, managing director of Rigby & Co, said: “We are thrilled that the UK’s largest listed residential landlord has chosen Rigby & Co to find two commercial tenants for The Condor, which is already rapidly transforming the skyline of Derby city centre. “Having helped put the original deal together on behalf of St James Securities with Grainger, we have in-depth knowledge of the workings of the site and its enormous benefits and are already in discussions with a number of restaurants, cafés and other retailers who are keen to secure representation in the heart of the city centre.”
The two commercial units sit on the ground floor of the residential tower with frontage to Victoria Street, which links with the intersection of St Peter’s Street and the Cornmarket and will become a key destination within the heart of Derby city centre. Unit 1 benefits from full width frontage to the proposed new public square, which is scheduled for completion in March, with some external seating available. Both units will be ready for occupation at the end of Q1, 2023 when The Condor will reach practical completion. The Becketwell regeneration scheme is the most significant urban regeneration scheme in the city for more than three decades. It aims to create a vibrant, exciting, new quarter of residential, commercial leisure activity in the heart of Derby city centre. Phase one involves the delivery of The Condor, the city’s first ever purpose-built, build to rent scheme, which will be owned and operated by Grainger, along with the creation of the new multi-purpose public square. Phase two of the scheme includes a major £45.8 million 3,500-capacity performance venue, which will be operated by ASM Global. Future planned phases of the scheme include the potential for a range of other complementary uses of the site, including new grade A offices and commercial space, a hotel and multi-storey car park and purpose-built student residential. Mr Rigby said: “With Derby’s new 3,500 seat performance venue under construction alongside The Condor, the vibrancy and footfall around this site, at the heart of the historic core of the city centre, will radically change and improve over the next couple of years.”

Sustainability top of the agenda for Lincolnshire business

Michael Fisher
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Sustainability top of the agenda for Lincolnshire business
A Lincolnshire business created to improve the life experience of people with Parkinson’s has announced a raft of commitments to ensure its operations are environmentally sustainable. Since the inception of Eye Guide MC, a business based in Long Sutton, Spalding, husband and wife duo, Chris and Sandra McDonough have made it their mission to ensure the company didn’t add to the ever-increasing carbon footprint on the planet by sourcing locally, using recycled materials and going digital where possible. Sandra McDonough, inventor of the Eye Guide MC – a small, non-intrusive device which can control the symptoms of Parkinson’s – has Parkinson’s herself. Before she had the breakthrough for her invention, her illness stopped Sandra from enjoying the outdoors and exploring – which is why she is dedicated to preserving the planet and ensuring her business boosts its eco-credentials. Sandra said: “From the outset of making the Eye Guide MC, I was adamant we would do all we could as a company to ensure we didn’t increase our carbon footprint on the planet. “For those that know me, they know how important the environment is to me. I am passionate about reducing plastic waste, so this was one of the first things Chris and I considered at the start of our journey to becoming business owners.” The Eye Guide MC device arms are specifically made from recycled plastic, and the device itself is made with no wires to plug in or batteries to recharge, therefore not adding to energy consumption – there is also no need for surgery either, which means the Eye Guide MC is as non-invasive to you and to the environment as it possibly can be. The husband-and-wife duo were also keen to find a local manufacturer to create the device, as it would prevent any unnecessary travel and greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere. It also meant that the small Lincolnshire business was giving back to its community and supporting other local businesses. Sandra added: “There was no doubt in our minds that we wanted the product to be made as near to our HQ and clinic in Long Sutton as possible, so we opted for a family-run manufacturer in Kings Lynn, just 17 miles away.” Once the company had sourced a local manufacturer and knew the product arms were being made from recycled plastic, they turned to the next mission of ensuring the presentation boxes followed suit. Their navy-blue presentation boxes are also fully recyclable, and any leaflets and brochures that are supplied to customers are printed using recycled paper. Sandra commented: “Even small businesses like ours can have a positive impact and make small changes and actions that will make a big impact on our planet. Whether you cut down on paper, or just swap to recycled materials it’s all part of the bigger picture.”  
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