Armsons Barlow expand team of quantity surveyors and project managers

Tess Egginton
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Armsons Barlow expand team of quantity surveyors and project managers
Derby-based project managers, construction cost consultants and building surveyors Armsons Barlow have strengthened their team with the appointments of Ryan Thompson and Gavin Hirst. Ryan joins Armsons Barlow as senior quantity surveyor and project manager from Geo Hodges & Son in Burton-on-Trent, where he spent ten years as a quantity surveyor. During his time with the building and civil engineering contractor, Ryan delivered a variety of schemes ranging in value from £10,000 to £3.7m across various sectors, including retail, industrial and manufacturing. Coming from a main contractor’s background, Ryan has a strong grounding in managing costs, from estimating through to final account stages, including tracking and appropriately valuing variations. Gavin joins the firm as a quantity surveyor and project manager from Loughborough-based Edward Cooper Young Chartered Surveyors, where he spent three years as a monitoring surveyor. He gained a broad range of experience, working on schemes across England and Wales – from small residential developments to large developments consisting of 400 plus dwellings. In their new roles, Ryan and Gavin will work alongside the Armsons Barlow team to deliver a diverse range of project management, employer’s agent, quantity surveying and cost management services to both private and public sector clients. Commenting on his new role, Ryan said: “It is an exciting time to be joining the business following the merger of Armsons and Barlow Associates. I hope my ten years’ experience working for a main contractor will stand me in good stead as I look to continue my professional development and integrate myself within the team. “In the short term I aim to achieve RICS membership and develop my portfolio of project deliveries from client side, continue to develop my professional aptitude and knowledge across a broad array of developments.” Gavin added: “I am thrilled to have joined Armsons Barlow, which has a fantastic reputation in the industry. I look forward to contributing my skills and experience to add value to the firm’s service offering. “I also have plans to gain my chartership in the near future, which will boost my skill set still further.” Sally Walters, director of Armsons Barlow, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Ryan and Gavin to the team. They have gained a tremendous amount of experience in their previous roles, working on high budget projects across the country. “In their new roles at Armsons Barlow, Ryan and Gavin will take on additional responsibilities and will work across a diverse portfolio of projects across a variety of sectors. “Our team all have significant experience in their respective areas, which enables us to provide clients with a consistently first-class service and achieve the most cost-effective delivery of their project objectives.”

New Company Director for Stepnell

Steve Fisher
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New Company Director for Stepnell
Construction company Stepnell has announced the promotion of long-standing employee Tom Sewell as the company’s newest director. This senior appointment will see Tom join Stepnell’s board of directors, following close to a decade of service at the company – joining as operations and commercial manager, before progressing to regional director for the East Midlands. As a regional director, Tom successfully supported the growth of Stepnell’s East Midlands office from 2014, leading the business unit from strength to strength over the years – from developing a strong team culture to securing a plethora of business development opportunities. Tom has supported many regional successes for Stepnell, including this year’s completion of a sports centre for Martin High School in the village of Anstey – which adds to the 32 Leicester schemes for Stepnell achieved over the course of the past 8 years. Most recently, Tom has been overseeing the fifth and sixth phases of improvement and expansion works to global HR, payroll and finance software company MHR’s Nottingham headquarters. In his new role, Tom will be assuming wider business responsibilities while continuing to lead the business in the region. Tom will also oversee the relocation of the Stepnell East Midlands office to a bigger and enhanced office space in the coming month. Tom said: “It has been incredibly fulfilling to grow Stepnell’s presence and project successes in the East Midlands. The growth witnessed has delivered great projects for our customers which we continue to measure through our Net Promotor Score, which is now 51 and continues to flourish. I thank the whole of the East Midlands team and every member of the region who has played their part. “As a newly appointed director, I now look forward to joining the board to contribute to the leadership of the business as Stepnell anticipates further growth, and to develop our teams, our culture and the service we provide to our clients accordingly.” Tom Wakeford, managing director at Stepnell said: “For close to a decade, Tom has made an incredible contribution that has really helped both the region and the business embed the right culture and values, through a strong focus on developing teams and team behaviour. Not only this, Tom was a big part of our recent success in securing a place on the SCAPE Regional Construction Framework. “Thanks to Tom’s many achievements and team-focused ethos, the board sees this promotion as a continuation of the business’ focus on the right culture, and we’re delighted to be working with Tom in this new director role.”

Leicestershire property developer expands into West Midlands

Steve Fisher
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Leicestershire property developer expands into West Midlands

William Davis Homes is opening a West Midlands office, as part of its ambitious business expansion plans.

The award-winning Leicestershire company has appointed a new West Midlands Land Director and two senior land and planning professionals to strengthen its growth strategy in the region.

The specialist team will be based in Warwickshire, giving William Davis a permanent presence in the West Midlands for the first time.
The 5-star housebuilder already has successful housing developments in Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire – and has secured a further 16 parcels of land across the West Midlands, with the potential to deliver thousands of new homes as well as creating new jobs and training opportunities. Guy Higgins, Managing Director of William Davis Homes, said: “Our aim is to build a pipeline of developments in the West Midlands to support our growth as a business, and we are actively seeking opportunities to acquire more land in the West Midlands. Having a dedicated team of land professionals based in the region will help with this.” The team is headed by Matt Colloby, who has been appointed as the company’s West Midlands Land Director. Matt has been with William Davis for more than 30 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this new role. He said: “This is an exciting challenge which brings a real opportunity to grow, build upon our existing operations and further strengthen relationships in the region. I am very much looking forward to growing the team over the next twelve months.” Also in the new West Midlands team are James Chatterton, Senior Planner and Andrew Morgan, who has recently joined the company as Senior Land Manager. They will be based at Waterloo Place in Leamington Spa from 1 October 2022. In the current financial year, William Davis is planning to build and complete the sale of more than 400 new homes at more than a dozen sites across the East and West Midlands.

Travis Perkins completes relocation to new Worksop site

Steve Fisher
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Travis Perkins completes relocation to new Worksop site
Travis Perkins has sold their former site in Worksop and let a new purpose built 14,000ft² site. FHP acted on behalf of clients CEG, Lawrence Escott in the letting of their new purpose built 14,000ft Builders Merchants on their 2 acre site area and subsequently sold Travis Perkins former site in Worksop too. The enhanced location surrounded by Asda, Greggs, Burger King and 16 trade counter units supported the move for Travis Perkins to this new location. FHP were subsequently instructed by Travis Perkins to sell Travis Perkins former site on Carlton Road, Worksop of 1 acre with over 8,000ft of warehousing on the site. After competitive bids, the successful party was Euro Property Investments with Sam Sutton of Phillips Sutton acting for the purchaser. FHP worked with Stuart Rowse and Will Moss of Travis Perkins throughout the new letting and sale process. Chris Proctor of FHP Property Consultants commented:- “I am delighted to see the conclusion of Travis Perkins relocation in Worksop, which has provided an enhanced trading position on a more efficient site as well as a successful disposal of their former site. Great to work with all parties involved throughout these transactions.” Phillips Sutton and FHP have been retained by the purchaser of the Former Travis Perkins on Carlton Road, Worksop with all enquiries for the re-letting of the site.

Rolls-Royce Submarines opens Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby

Tess Egginton
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Rolls-Royce Submarines opens Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby
Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd has opened the doors of its new Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby. 200 new apprentices from all walks of life streamed into the Academy on 26 September for what marks the start of their nuclear careers. The Nuclear Skills Academy is the first of its kind and aims to sustain nuclear capability within the UK’s submarines programme by creating a dedicated pipeline of talent at the start of their careers. Based in Derby, the Nuclear Skills Academy is supported by industry and education experts, including the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the National College for Nuclear, the University of Derby and Derby City Council. This ensures new apprentices have access to the best courses and mentors throughout their apprenticeship. Rolls-Royce announced its plans for the Nuclear Skills Academy in May 2022 to huge interest from across the UK. With more than 1,200 applicants for only 200 places in its 2022-23 academic year it’s been a tough job to narrow down the successful candidates. Steve Carlier, president, Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “We are thrilled by the levels of interest in these apprenticeships, and it highlights how attractive a career in the nuclear sector really is. With the growing demand for clean, carbon-free energy and with our submarines contracts with the MoD likely to sustain us into the next century, this could be a job for life for our new apprentices. “Having started with Rolls-Royce as an apprentice myself and being born and bred in Derby, the launch of the Nuclear Skills Academy is especially exciting for me. I’m delighted that we are leading the way in developing nuclear talent for the submarines enterprise and proud that it will all be done in Derby.” The Nuclear Skills Academy has the funding to provide 200 apprentices each year with nuclear education across four different courses for at least the next 10 years. The support of key industry organisations in driving the project forward has been invaluable for Rolls-Royce. Andrew Storer from the Nuclear AMRC spoke of the importance of collaboration when it comes to this programme: “We need to work together to tackle skills shortages which affect the whole nuclear sector. The organisations backing the Nuclear Skills Academy will ensure that apprentices have the best training and support and develop the skills to deliver the UK’s commitments for low-carbon power and national security. As a former Derby apprentice, I am very proud that we are helping set a new standard for training which could be rolled out across the sector.” Helen Higgs from National College for Nuclear said: “The Nuclear Skills Academy is a significant development for the sector and the National College for Nuclear is delighted to be able to play a vital role in its creation and future development. “Collaboration between ourselves, industry and education partners is at the heart of NCfN’s delivery model and our vision, and this is a fantastic example of how that partnership can bring about world-class opportunities for many apprentices.” The apprenticeships are spread across all functions of the business including: Engineering, Manufacturing and Business. They provide fully funded, further and higher education qualifications, while the apprentices receive hands-on practical work experience within the business. Each of the courses is accredited through the University of Derby and National College for Nuclear. Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, vice-chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby, said: “Equipping the future workforce with the skills and knowledge required to assure a pipeline of talent into the nuclear industry is crucial; the University is delighted to be playing a key role in this. “Derby is a city at the cutting edge of engineering and manufacturing, with an internationally renowned reputation as a centre for industrial innovation. The Academy will further strengthen this and is set to be a game-changer in how we respond, at pace, to the evolving skills needs of the country.” The home of the Nuclear Skills Academy is an iconic building in Derby, formerly known as the iHub. The hope is to position the East Midlands as the centre of nuclear excellence in the UK, an aspiration Derby City Council is equally excited by. Leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Chris Poulter said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the people of Derby which will help to further build our reputation as a city of innovation. It is vital that we bring forward the next generation into the nuclear industry and apprenticeships are a fantastic way for those of all ages to earn while they learn. “Additional funding worth £1.3m has been secured from Innovate UK to help fund bespoke training equipment and IT facilities for apprentices at the new training centre. The skills academy will also support key employers in the city and help to secure future talent in years to come.” Applications for 2023-24 academic intake will be opening from October 2022. For 60 years, Rolls-Royce has provided the power for all of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines from its base in Raynesway, Derby. Their work ensures submariners have the power to protect the UK’s interests at home and further afield.

Taylors takes 42,000 sq ft at Huthwaite logistics site

Tess Egginton
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Taylors takes 42,000 sq ft at Huthwaite logistics site
B. Taylor & Sons Transport has taken 41,914 sq ft of prime warehouse space in Huthwaite. The logistics and warehousing firm has taken the lease on Unit 2 at Fulwood 28, joining the likes of Alloga, GXO and the Co-op at the site, which is located two miles from Junction 28 of the M1. The unit at Fulwood 28 is the company’s thirteenth in total. Commercial Property Partners (CPP) and Gent Visick sealed the deal to bring Taylors to the logistics park. Sean Bremner, director at CPP, said: “As we expected Fulwood 28 was let swiftly upon coming available, with many requirements being in the market. We have known Alan Taylor and his colleagues for many years and they have experienced considerable expansion over recent times. It is great to do deals with long established family businesses continuing their growth and success in our region.” Taylors’ Managing Director Alan Taylor added: “This building presented a great expansion opportunity for our business becoming our 13th building in the area to help win further work. We are delighted to have secured the accommodation. It was a pleasure working with Sean at CPP who was very responsive and brokered the deal in a sensible and efficient manner.” B. Taylor & Sons was established in 1974 in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. It has since grown to incorporate a number of divisions including Taylors Transport International, which caters for clients across the globe.

Specialist metals supplier secures £1m to support growth

Tess Egginton
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Specialist metals supplier secures £1m to support growth
A Chesterfield business has secured a £1m investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), provided by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme. The funding follows a £500,000 MEIF loan in November last year, which helped the company with a range of business growth activities including marketing, IT, new jobs and a move to bigger premises. The most recent loan will be used for further staff hires, equipment purchase, and maintaining stock levels to support new contracts. International Energy Products is a metal stockholder and processor of speciality alloys servicing the oil, gas and renewable energy industries as well as aerospace, marine and defence sectors. The company was set up in 2017 by Emma Beresford who spent the next two years establishing a robust supply model before full trading commenced in 2020. This has placed the company ahead of the curve in a market where an already challenging supply environment has been worsened by the war in Ukraine. International Energy Products founder and Managing Director, Emma Beresford, said: “Having just reached the point of trading when the pandemic hit, our growth plans inevitably slowed but we are now ready to scale up in line with the recovery of our customer base. “As a new business that doesn’t have the trading history needed for bank funding, the MEIF loan will help us with the cashflow and capacity needed to take on new, large contracts and we are thankful to FSE for investing in our future growth.” Ann Marie McFadyen, investment manager at The FSE Group, said: “We would like to thank Sanjay Vallabh from Vallabh Associates for introducing us to International Energy Products. Emma is a forward-thinking MD who knows her market well and has been appointed Export Champion for the Department for International Trade for the second year running. “Her innovative approach has allowed her to minimise risk and future-proof against supply chain issues and pricing. Years of hard work have paid off with this small business now years ahead of its competitors and we are thrilled to be supporting Emma and her team at this crucial point in their growth journey.” Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “The D2N2 area is the cradle of the Industrial Revolution and remains the heartland on manufacturing in the UK. It’s businesses like IEP that underpin our amazing manufacturers, so it’s great to see them being supported. They supply to many businesses who are crucial to us being able to transition to a net-zero future, so the impact of their growth will be felt in businesses across the region.”

Leicestershire business’s epilepsy medicine donation helps address the stigma of witchcraft in Africa

Tess Egginton
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Leicestershire business’s epilepsy medicine donation helps address the stigma of witchcraft in Africa
A Leicestershire pharmaceuticals business has helped address the stigma of witchcraft in Africa by donating medicines connected with the treatment of epilepsy. Morningside Pharmaceuticals, based in Loughborough, donated 1,000 packs of the drug to Syston Aid charity Inter Care, which has since distributed them to communities in Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Ghana. Due to a lack of healthcare provision, many African communities still associate epilepsy with witches and wizards, and often resort to traditional herbal treatments and even public ceremonies in-order-to ward off perceived evil spirits and to heal the patient. Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, chairman of Morningside Pharmaceuticals, said: “We have had the privilege of working with African communities for the past 30 years and have seen first-hand the excellent medical talent, skills and expertise taking place throughout the continent. “Access to quality medicines and healthcare remains a problem, which has led many rural communities to seek traditional remedies. I hope our donation helps support Inter Care and the work of other Aid organisations in addressing the lack of knowledge around conditions such as epilepsy, where a wide range of treatment is available.” As part of Inter Care’s community epilepsy work, they supported a five-year-old girl called Ella, from the city of Bo in Sierra Leone, who had been suffering seizures from birth. Her community sought out traditional remedies, which did nothing to prevent her often six seizures per day. This led her family to eventually seek hospital treatment where she responded well to the epilepsy medicine, and her parents were provided with comprehensive information and support to help manage her condition. Albert Sesay, from Bo Children’s’ Hospital, said: “Like in many epilepsy cases in the communities we support; when a patient has an epileptic seizure the elders of the communities, family members and others always claim they are attacked by witches and wizards, and traditional treatments are administered to them. “In most cases these patients are given garlics, smoked with traditional herbal medicines leaves and even take them to societal ceremonies. Before receiving medical treatment. Ella and other children and adults in her position go through so much pain and stress.” Diane Hardy from Inter Care stated: “We would very much like to thank Morningside Pharmaceuticals for their kind donation, which is helping to treat other people facing the same social barriers to seeking proper medical support, which patients such as Ella and her family have encountered.” According to Bo Children’s Hospital, 20,000 people fall sick with epilepsy each year, including over 2,500 children, which leads to four epilepsy-related deaths each day. During a recent visit to see Ella following her treatment, her parents were asked for their feedback on the support they have received from Bo Children’s Hospital and the Inter Care UK team. Ella’s mother, Nina, said: “Words cannot express how grateful I am, any time I look at my daughter my heart gladdens. I am so thankful for your relentless efforts. I don’t know if my daughter would have been alive if it were not for your support.”

Work starts on battery storage plant at former Lincolnshire gas power station

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on battery storage plant at former Lincolnshire gas power station

Centrica Business Solutions has revealed plans to convert a decommissioned Lincolnshire gas-fired power station into a battery storage facility capable of supplying the equivalent of a full day’s energy consumption for 11,000 households.

Working in partnership with GE, the company has started construction on a 50MW /100MWh battery storage project at Brigg, which will provide energy storage for the 43 onshore wind farms across Lincolnshire, maximising the potential of every megawatt of green electricity and providing vital resilience for the grid. Storing renewable energy in this way makes it possible to better control the peaks and troughs associated with renewable energy generation – charging the batteries when electricity demand is low and discharging when demand peaks. The battery installed at Brigg represents the largest investment in storage capacity Centrica has made to date. It will have the capacity to store 100MWh of electric energy, equivalent to a full day’s energy consumption for around 15 per cent of the homes in North Lincolnshire.

The battery storage system, supplied by GE, will provide grid support and energy services that will not only provide stability to the grid when there are power disruptions but also ensure renewable energy is utilised optimally, which should free capacity to allow more new renewable generation on the network.

Greg McKenna, Managing Director of Centrica Business Solutions, said: “Investing in low-carbon energy assets that boost the UK’s ability to store more renewable energy is key to getting to Net Zero. Lincolnshire has 242MW of onshore wind power capacity, but when supply outstrips demand some of those green electrons will go to waste if not stored. Working with GE we’ll store green energy produced locally and use it as efficiently as possible.

“As the UK’s power generation capacity becomes more distributed and the share of renewables increases, generation flexibility becomes critical to keep the lights on securely, sustainably, and affordably. Brigg battery storage investment will ensure we can maximise the use of the green energy generated by nearby wind farms – storing when the wind blows and discharging when it doesn’t.”

Prakash Chandra, renewable hybrids Chief Executive Officer at GE, said: “The UK has been one of the earliest and largest players in the battery energy storage space and the installed capacity keeps growing. However, there is a need for more if the country wants to achieve its Net Zero emission target for the power sector by 2035. We are glad to bring another project to life together with Centrica.”

Brigg battery storage is set to be fully operational in late 2023 with plans to run the site for 25 years. The solution implemented will be a 2-hour duration system with GE’s flexible duration architecture that will allow Centrica to modify the duration of the system in response to future grid needs and market opportunities.

Revenue and profit leap at Yü Group

Tess Egginton
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Revenue and profit leap at Yü Group
The CEO of Yü Group, the independent supplier of gas, electricity and water to the UK corporate sector, and smart meter installation services, has hailed “excellent” unaudited half year results for the six months to 30 June 2022. Revenue has soared to £129.2m from £65.8m in the same period of 2021, while profits jumped to £4.4m from £0.9m. The Nottingham-based firm expects the strong H1 performance to continue for the remainder of the financial year and beyond.

Bobby Kalar, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We continue to reiterate our promise to keep delivering profitable growth and are confident this is set to continue.

“I’m very pleased to report another set of excellent results reflecting a strong and reliable performance. Remembering this is our fourth consecutive and consistent set of results I’m proud to confirm our key financial KPI’s are performing well and have exceeded our forecasts following two recent upgrades.

“Revenue is up by 96%, cash in hand has increased 37%, average monthly booking have increased by 49% and EBITDA has jumped over 400% compared to H1 2021. Our strategy is working well and our strengthened and highly disciplined business driven by our joined up processes, people and platforms continues to deliver a seamless customer experience.

“Our digital transformation program is on course and several digital projects are now live and embedded into the business. We will see additional benefits of reduced operating costs, better efficiencies and greater predictability as we scale these digital channels.

“While I’m pleased with the recent government Energy Bills Relief Scheme announcement, pledging support for business customers with their increased energy costs, I fear businesses will feel the ongoing pressure of volatile wholesale commodity prices for some time. We will continue to work hard to help our customers manage these difficult market conditions.

“A £300m Mark to Market trading position gives me comfort our hedge book is very strong, in accordance with our hedging policy, and provides significant confidence in forward gross margin.

“The successful launch of Yü Smart is a game changer in terms of value chain ownership. As well as supplying energy to our business customers we have gained certification from the Retail Energy Code (REC) and approval from Elexon and Xoserve to operate as a Meter Equipment Manager (MEM) and Meter Installer (MI) for both gas and electricity customers, creating the opportunity to install and maintain SMETS2 meters. In addition, owning the asset, creating an annuity income, provides an exciting new value pool for the Group to benefit from. I look forward to updating the market as we rapidly scale this capability.

“We performed well in the pandemic; even better in 2021, despite challenges in the market; and we expect even better performance in the remainder of 2022 and beyond. I’m reassured our business continues to prosper and will use its strength and experience as an anchor for any further turbulence. As we continue to enjoy the fruits of our hard work, I look forward to delivering significant shareholder value in the near future.

“Finally, I would like to thank my wonderful team who continue to support the Board’s target to achieve £500m revenue at over 4% EBITDA as soon as possible.“

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