Taylors takes 42,000 sq ft at Huthwaite logistics site

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.“

Travel company rescued following administration deal

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Travel company rescued following administration deal
Leger Shearings Group (LSG) has sealed an administration deal, which will see the Rotherham-based escorted tours company acquire the Arena Travel brand and assets. Arena Travel went into administration on Friday 23 September with a simultaneous transition to the new ownership. The agreement will see LSG acquire the special interest and touring travel company’s database, web domains and social media pages, covering all divisions and sub-brands of Arena Travel. As part of the agreement all fifty permanent employees will retain their jobs under the TUPE protection of employees’ rights regulations. All bookings were financially protected and LSG are enabling customers to continue with their holidays as planned, so customers won’t lose out. The three Arena Travel offices in Market Harborough, Buckingham and Nacton, Suffolk will be taken over by LSG. Arena Travel, which has been in business for over 45 years, is well known for its river cruise holiday and specialist niche escorted holidays, including rail and bridge holidays. Craft holidays are operated under the Stitchtopia brand and cultural and garden tours under the Boxwood and Art Pursuits brands. The company also has a music and events division with Elvis, Memphis and Germany Tours and operates unique events in partnership with the band Queen’s fan club. Leger Shearings Group CEO Liam Race said: “I am very pleased that the Leger Shearings Group was able to acquire the Arena assets and importantly, protect jobs during these challenging times. We are offering all customers the ability to take the same holiday that they had booked with Arena Travel. “The companies share some similar products, including an excellent UK tours selection and river cruise holidays, but Arena’s very specialist holidays will add a new high-end dimension to our current portfolio.” Arena Travel’s Managing Director Steve Goodenough will remain in position and he said: “Arena Travel is long established and prior to the pandemic was very successful, but it came out of covid battered and bruised. Our plan was to have a year of recovery, however, travel disruption hit every aspect of industry, from port delays, to flight and baggage disruption, to low water in Europe’s rivers and it took its toll and the business became untenable. “I am delighted to be working with the Leger Shearing Group to rebuild the business, with the backing and security of a much larger company, which shares Arena Travel’s value of good quality service. I am especially pleased that the holidays our customers have booked will still take place, without interruption or financial penalty.” In June 2020 Leger Holidays acquired the assets of former competitor Shearings after parent company Specialist Leisure Group went into administration. The Leger Shearings Group was established in January 2021.

New fully-funded programme launched for manufacturers in the Leicester and Leicestershire region, to support post-pandemic growth

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New fully-funded programme launched for manufacturers in the Leicester and Leicestershire region, to support post-pandemic growth
Advanced manufacturers in Leicester/Leicestershire are encouraged to book spaces on the fully-funded Ambition to Grow programme. The programme has been designed to nurture entrepreneurialism in the region by improving the growth success of advanced manufacturing businesses. The programme will consist of one-to-one tailored business support from an industry expert, peer networking and a series of six masterclasses which have been designed to address the challenges faced by local manufacturing business leaders. The programme is partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund, organised by Leicester Business Gateway and delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice. To apply for the Ambition to Grow programme go to: https://bit.ly/3RaBR7o

Approval granted on widespread improvements for Staveley Town Centre

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Approval granted on widespread improvements for Staveley Town Centre
Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet has given its approval to a new long-term vision for Staveley town centre and an initial £5m package of improvements, to be delivered over the next four years. A public consultation which took place late last year showed strong support for the draft Staveley Town Centre Vision Master Plan, with 70% of respondents stating that they would be more likely to visit Staveley town centre if the Master Plan’s proposals were implemented. The immediate improvements planned for Staveley town centre also received a high level of support from the public. These improvements include the regeneration of the Market Square, a shop front improvement scheme, a new and improved link to the canal, a new landmark pavilion building, an enhanced public realm and better signposting of facilities and attractions. The initial package of improvements will be funded and delivered through the Staveley Town Deal and have been selected on the basis of their ability to improve the current town centre offer, uplift footfall, and prepare the ground for future investment. They are also deliverable within the set timeframe for the Town Deal. Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We want Staveley to be a thriving town centre, that attracts both residents and visitors, encourages new business start-ups and supports existing retailers and businesses to flourish. “We received lots of support for the ideas and proposals that we set out within the draft Vision Master Plan but we cannot deliver everything at once. Our aim is to make best use of the Staveley Town Deal funding to deliver an initial package of improvements that will help ensure Staveley has a bright future as a place to start, to stay and to grow. “We will continue to work closely with Staveley’s retailers, businesses and residents to ensure we deliver the planned improvements to time and budget.” The planned improvements, many of which are conditional on receiving planning consent, include the regeneration of the Market Square, which was supported by 77% of respondents to the public consultation. Elsewhere in the Market Square, the disused toilet block will be demolished and a landmark pavilion building with new commercial space created. The Market Square will also benefit from new paving, lighting, planting, and benches, as well as improvements to Barnfield Close to encourage members of the public to shop and socialise. Ninety percent of respondents to the public consultation indicated that they would be more likely to visit the town centre if there was more space for festivals and events, which the planned improvements are designed to achieve. The High Street will benefit from a rejuvenation of the public ream, and a shop front improvement grant scheme will encourage retailers to make changes to their store frontages. There will also be a focus on increased connectivity both to the canal and wider Staveley area with improved signage, paths and cycling hubs. These improvements were supported by 74% of respondents to the public consultation. There will also be enhanced digital connectivity through the creation of a town centre wi-fi network. As part of the process of developing the draft Vision Master Plan an independent review was undertaken by IntoPlaces Ltd., a team of three High Street Task Force experts. IntoPlaces Ltd. commented that the Vision Master Plan has the capacity to transform Staveley town centre into a vibrant hub by creating new and diverse spaces and enhancing the current offer. The planned improvements have also been supported by Derbyshire County Council. The next step is for the Council to appoint a dedicated design team to finalise the planned improvements and seek planning consent, where applicable. Councillor Kate Sarvent added: “It will take time for us to finalise our plans and gain planning consent but we are committed to working with the community throughout the delivery process in order to ensure that we achieve the best possible outcome for Staveley town centre, its residents and businesses.”

Local businesses club together for CAPs charity golf day

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Local businesses club together for CAPs charity golf day

Members of the East Midlands business community are coming together for the annual CAPs (construction and property) charity golf day, which is taking place on Thursday 29 September at Springwater Golf Club in Calverton, in support of Our Dementia Choir.

Our Dementia Choir was formed by actress Vicky McClure in 2019, as part of a BBC documentary, as she set out on a journey to discover the true extent of music’s power of combatting dementia – following the death of her grandmother in 2015, who suffered with the condition.

Vicky formed the choir, which is made up of those living with dementia, in her hometown of Nottingham and supports them through singing and musical activities to provide a calm, engaging and friendly space for the community.

She was also previously a patron for CAPs’ chosen charity in 2021, Switch Up, which is run by British boxing coach, Marcellus Baz BEM, and provides mentoring and physical training to engage young people in positive activity. Four of Switch Up’s young people will be volunteering at the charity golf day this year.

Businesses such as Morgan Sindall, Wilmott Dixon and John Pye will be in attendance, with Blueprint Interiors, Jennie Holland PR, Influence Landscape Planning & Design, 200 Degrees Coffee, Pygott and Crone, GT3 Architects, and Hexa Consulting sponsoring the event.

Coastal Distillery, a Lincolnshire-based and family-run business that makes a range of artisan spirits including gins, vodkas and liqueurs, has donated the refreshments at the halfway house. All monies raised from drinks sales will go to the charity.

Following the end of play on the course, Our Dementia Choir will be performing to the players, before the prize presentations. 

CAPs, which was founded in 2017 by John Tansur, client services director at Knights, and David Ford, director at Gleeds, has so far raised a total of £30,000 through a number of fundraising events, with further plans to host a black-tie dinner “with a twist” in February and a sports and Ladies Day in June next year.

John Tansur said: “We are really looking forward to the return of another CAPs golf day – this will be our sixth year. When David and I first set up CAPs, we wanted to create an event for the construction and property sector that would be fun and more importantly raise much-needed funds for charities.

“We are confident this year’s event will raise in excess of £7,000 for Our Dementia Choir, which is fantastic. We felt that people are unclear about how they can support those affected by dementia and by raising much needed funds and awareness of the charity via the golf day, this will help to get the message out there.”

David Ford added: “CAPs couldn’t go ahead without everyone getting involved to make it happen and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity. The choir is such a deserving and worthwhile cause, and we are so looking forward to their performance on the day. It will be great to see so many from the construction and property sector socialising and networking!”

Karen Bonser, charity manager of Our Dementia Choir, said: “We are simply over the moon that Our Dementia Choir has been chosen as CAPs’ charity this year. In whatever way, we want to raise the profile of dementia across all communities and show that music can really make a massive difference.

“The funding raised from this event will enable the choir to reach out to many more people living with dementia and their families, as well as ensuring current members get access to this wonderful resource. We need about £40,000 per year to run effectively and professionally with the correct, professional support choir members and their families need, so this funding will go a long way; it will ensure the choir’s sustainability and ability to reach out to more people living with dementia in the Nottingham area.

“We are really looking forward to the day and can guarantee that everyone at CAPs will be touched by the choir’s performance.”

200 Degrees set to open in Derby

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200 Degrees set to open in Derby

East Midlands-based coffee roaster 200 Degrees is opening a coffee shop in Derby within Derbion shopping centre on London Road.

The coffee shop, which will seat over 60 customers, will be located on the ground floor of the centre next to Boots, and will feature 200 Degrees’ classic fireplace with antique armchairs as well as a cosy ‘secret’ seating area.

The new Derby coffee shop is the roaster’s 18th across England and Wales and is the 7th in the East Midlands; with shops in Lincoln, Leicester, Nottingham and at McArthur Glen East Midlands Designer Outlet.

200 Degrees will be serving its handcrafted coffee and food, such as deli-style sandwiches, baguettes, salads, soups, cakes and pastries – including vegan and gluten-free options – which are available to eat in or takeaway.

The coffee shop will bring around 12 new full-time and part-jobs to Derby and the barista team will be serving freshly roasted coffee, from the 200 Degrees roast house in Nottingham, as well as iced tea, smoothies and milkshakes.

Rob Darby, CEO at 200 Degrees, said: “Being East Midlands-based, we have had our sights set on opening a coffee shop in Derby for some time – and it’s fantastic that we have now found the perfect location at Derbion.

“As a prime retail destination in the city, we are looking forward to serving our freshly roasted coffee blends and food to our new customers and being an active member of the centre and wider Derby community.”

Coffee lovers can also purchase freshly roasted beans, coffee machines and home brew equipment in store.

Rob and his business partner, Tom Vincent, founded the company in 2012 in Nottingham, and have expanded the 200 Degrees footprint across England and Wales, now boasting shops in major cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, York, Birmingham and Cardiff.

The new Derby coffee shop will be open 7.30am – 7.30pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am – 8pm Saturday, and 9.30am – 5.30pm Sunday.

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