Dunelm hails “another year of excellent performance”

Tess Egginton
-
0
Dunelm hails “another year of excellent performance”
The CEO of homewares retailer Dunelm Group, has hailed “another year of excellent performance.” According to preliminary results for the year to 2 July 2022, total sales at the business hit £1.55bn, up from £1.33bn in 2021. Meanwhile profit before tax grew to £209m from £157.8m. The Leicestershire firm noted that sales have remained robust in the first ten weeks of its new financial year.

Nick Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our colleagues and our committed supplier partners are at the heart of our success. In another year of excellent performance, I am extremely grateful for their skill, commitment and adaptability in the face of new external challenges and during another busy period of progress across the business.

“We feel confident and well prepared to weather the current economic pressures – we emerged from an unprecedented global pandemic as a bigger, better business and we believe we have the tools in place to do that again. That said, the operating and economic environment is extremely challenging.

“In this environment, we have to make every pound count, both for ourselves through our tight operational grip and cost discipline, and for our customers, through our offer of outstanding value at all price points.

“Dunelm, at its heart, offers customers great choice and value. Now is not the time for us to shy away from that, but for us to fully embrace it; whether it’s our Winter Warm collection or our Student Essentials range, we think Dunelm’s unique and market-leading offer is more relevant than ever before.”

How ignoring your dream list of clients is a nightmare for marketers: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR

Tess Egginton
-
0
How ignoring your dream list of clients is a nightmare for marketers: by Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, reflects on a recent experience to offer wise words on establishing and maintaining dream clients. Normally on the last Wednesday of the month (as I write this column) I am getting ready to give a talk to local entrepreneurs about how to grow their business through marketing, or basically “getting and keeping customers.” In the end, when you strip off all the bells and whistles, that’s what marketing is. However, two things have changed this time:
  1. I had to bring the meeting forward because next week is my wedding anniversary.
  2. The venue has just pulled the rug from under me and cancelled the event!
So it is not going ahead and instead I will be running BONUS content at the September event. Guess what, it won’t be at this venue! The funny thing is, the topic for the night was going to be ‘Build Your Perfect Dream List’, essentially a properly conceived list of your IDEAL clients who you will proactively target. This list is about the quality of the people within it not the quantity, you might only have 20 or 30 people or businesses on it. This means you can properly focus on marketing to them with meaningful content, offers and services. It is a far more measured approach than the usual ‘spray and pray’ I see far too often from businesses, or the “oh our solution is suited to EVERYBODY” – newsflash, it isn’t. However it is PERFECT for some – focus on them. When you do, you can actually spend more money on attracting these customers and in turn they will spend more money with you because you are PERFECT for them too. Now you’d think given the struggles of the last few years that for a pub with an event space, 15 local business owners in a room every month might be approaching a DREAM LIST, especially as we tend to add a new face each month. It appears not. They didn’t call me, they emailed to ask if I could shift the event, got my out of office and didn’t even follow up. They just cancelled it and when I sought clarification yesterday, the day before the event remember, they said (and I quote): “Sorry my booking takes priority, so I will have to postpone your meeting.” Note the use of “my” – incredible. Just to put this in context, I have run the event here for the last 5 consecutive months and was going to for the rest of the year. WAS. Now I imagine they have been approached by someone with deeper pockets for a one off event but how short-sighted is this? Would you want 15 punters (and growing) every month who run local businesses or a one off? Considering my crowd will spend in the bar before and after too and might also want to hire that space? So there will be no “postponement” at the venue, there will be no event there ever again. The members who were coming all know that this has happened and will draw their own conclusions about the culture of this venue, which until now I have personally LOVED to go to with friends and business associates outside of these monthly events. Hence why I held it there. I won’t be so crass as to name names in this column or indeed on social media but I hope this might serve as a reminder that whilst marketing tends to focus on filling the sink with leads, it is no use whatsoever if someone pulls the plug out. That venue has zero chance of me ever using it again or recommending it and who knows, maybe I am not their DREAM client after all and neither are the members who were coming along. Meanwhile, if you are a Nottingham-based business owner and fancy popping along to the next event or would like more information (venue to be announced!), just let me know and I will sort you out with a free monthly membership. A former business journalist, Greg Simpson is the author of The Small Business Guide to PR and has been recognised as one of the UK’s top 5 PR consultants, having set up Press for Attention PR in 2008. He has worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan. His background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s, and consultant’s perspective. See this column in the September edition of East Midlands Business Link Magazine.

Last chance to secure tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022

Tess Egginton
-
0
Last chance to secure tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 taking place TOMORROW (Thursday 15 September) there are limited seats left at the event. Property and construction professionals will be gathering in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, where Business Link will be recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region. The event starts at 4.30pm and concludes at 7.30pm and tickets are available here. Make use of this opportunity to network with leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands. Complimentary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business attire. The event will also feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Attend the glittering awards ceremony to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.  

Shortlist for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022

Most Active Agent – sponsored by Blueprint Interiors Mather Jamie OMEETO BB&J Commercial Commercial Development of the Year – sponsored by Frank Key Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Etiquette Park – Clowes Developments Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service joint HQ – Henry Brothers Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Press for Attention PR Cawarden Arc Partnership Phoenix Brickwork Residential Development of the Year – sponsored by Sterling Commercial Finance The Rise, Southwell – Stagfield Group Glenvale Park – Glenvale Park LLP Hindle House – KMRE Group Deal of the Year – sponsored by Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers St James Securities – Phase Two of the Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby – 3,500 capacity Becketwell performance venue with ASM Global Wells McFarlane, APB and Newton LDP – sale of 460 acres of land in North Leicestershire, making way for a new garden village Morgan Industrial Properties Limited – acquisition of the former Ewart Chain site in Shaftesbury Street, Derby Developer of the Year – sponsored by Ward Hockley Developments St James Securities HBD Architects of the Year – sponsored by OMS Swain Architecture Rayner Davies Architects CPMG Architects Excellence in Design – sponsored by Cawarden  St. Peter’s Gate renovation – CPMG Architects Health and Allied Professions Centre at Nottingham Trent University – Pick Everard Brookside Farm – Chevin Homes Sustainable Development of the Year – sponsored by Viridis Building Services Refurbished HQ for LKAB Minerals – Scenariio Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – Chesterfield Borough Council, Whittam Cox Architects, Robert Woodhead Group Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park – Galliford Try Construction Contractor of the Year – sponsored by RammSanderson Galliford Try Construction Cawarden Enrok Construction The Overall Winner, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants, will also be announced at the ceremony, who will be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
 
Thanks to our sponsors:                                      

To be held at:

“Monumental skills shortage” could now be deterring businesses from creating jobs, says East Midlands Chamber

Tess Egginton
-
0
“Monumental skills shortage” could now be deterring businesses from creating jobs, says East Midlands Chamber
The East Midlands’ unemployment rate has risen for the first time in 10 months – but remains far below the national average. After hitting a record low of 2.4% for the period between April and June this year, the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) regional figures for May to July show it rose to 2.8%. The UK unemployment rate during this time was 3.6%. The region’s economic inactivity rate – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – remains at 21.9%. This is among its highest level for the past year and three percentage points above where it was pre-Covid (18.7% in January to March 2020). East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Our region’s firms continue to create plenty of jobs, but we’ve been saying for the past year how this could tip at any moment given the monumental skills shortage that is putting a lid on capacity for four in 10 East Midlands businesses. “In our most recent Quarterly Economic Survey, two-thirds of our region’s companies attempted to recruit between April and June but 82% of them struggled to fill roles. “This is clearly unsustainable and while our region’s unemployment rate remains at a near-record low, the fact the economic inactivity rate shows no sign of dropping suggests some firms are dropping plans to grow amid the dwindling labour pool and huge uncertainty in the economic landscape, which is driven by an escalating cost of doing business crisis. “While new Prime Minister Liz Truss’ energy plan was welcomed, we need to see more details on what this means for businesses to provide long-term certainty. At the same time, her Government must not forget the other pressures facing firms and work in collaboration with the business community to seek long-term solutions to the various challenges we face. “This includes reviewing and reforming the shortage occupations list to include more jobs at all skill levels, backing businesses to invest in training current and new staff, and removing barriers to international trade.”

New senior role filled at Nottingham recruitment specialist

Tess Egginton
-
0
New senior role filled at Nottingham recruitment specialist
Recruitment specialist Thorn Baker Group, headquartered in Nottingham, has promoted Rhian Newman to a newly created senior position within the business, head of offsite and professional lead. The new position will give Rhian responsibility for developing two new specialties within Thorn Baker’s construction brand – offsite and professional. During her time with Thorn Baker, Rhian has made a significant impact, particularly in developing the group’s offering within the offsite sector. Also known as the modular building industry, the sector remained resilient throughout the pandemic and Rhian has used her extensive knowledge and wealth of contacts to develop this as a new service offering for Thorn Baker. Starting from scratch with a team of one, Rhian has developed Thorn Baker Offsite into a nationally respected recruitment partner whose clients include Countryside Timber Frame, Premier Modular, Innovare & Donaldson Group, Balfour Beatty, Skanska, Crest Nicholson, Barratts and many more. Whilst there is demand for workers across the construction industry at the moment, demand for professional staff is particularly high. Throughout her 15 years in the recruitment industry, Rhian has always recruited for professional roles and will now also take the lead in developing Thorn Baker’s presence in this area. Speaking about her promotion, Rhian says: “This is a huge opportunity for me and something that I have been working towards for several years now. It is exciting for me personally, and for the future of the company. The new role will allow me to use my knowledge and experience to further strengthen Thorn Baker’s offering within construction recruitment and complements its existing specialties. “Developing the company’s professional offering builds on 34 years’ experience within trades and labour, and means that we will be able to find quality candidates for our clients for the full range of roles required on construction projects and in the industrial sector. “Similarly, the offsite sector is growing rapidly in the UK and there is a high demand for candidates with transferable skills – and our expertise within ‘traditional’ trades roles means we are able to find people who may want to transfer to another branch of the construction industry. “I feel hugely supported by the Board and we have a clear understanding of what we want both teams to look like in the future. I want to make a success of both specialisms as I am sure they will become fundamental to the future of Thorn Baker and the success of our clients.” Rob Ford, director at Thorn Baker, added: “Rhian is a fantastic asset to the Thorn Baker team and contributes so much across the business, not just in offsite and professional. She is a real people person and someone who clearly cares and demonstrates our values on a daily basis. This is clear to see by the relationships she has built with her team, her colleagues in other offices, myself, and the rest of the Board. “Having been with us for less than a year when the pandemic struck, we all had to cope with the uncertainty that caused. And Rhian’s response to these challenges – recruiting her team and training them over Zoom – showcased her natural leadership qualities and admirable work ethic. “Rhian is respected across the industry and has a natural flair for offsite and professional. We want to support her to develop these teams as it will benefit our growing client base and help more people find employment.”

East Midlands businesses hit by late payments

Tess Egginton
-
0
East Midlands businesses hit by late payments

Latest research from the Midlands branch of national insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 reveals a steady rise in the number of East Midlands companies with invoices overdue for payment.

The statistics, which are based on an analysis of data from business intelligence provider Creditsafe, show that over 26,800 East Midlands companies had overdue invoices in August, a figure which has risen steadily since April of this year.

The R3 report also indicates that monthly insolvency-related activities in the East Midlands have risen from 62 at the start of the year to 102 in August. These figures include liquidator and administrator appointments as well as creditors’ meetings, indicating the extent to which local companies may be struggling.

The region’s entrepreneurial spirit appears not to have been dampened, however, as there were 2,279 business start-ups in the East Midlands in August, an 8.0% increase on the July figure of 2,110 but a 7.2% decrease on the 2,457 at the beginning of the year.

R3 Midlands chair Eddie Williams, a partner at PwC in the East Midlands, said: “These statistics highlight the tremendous challenges facing local companies trading in this current economic climate. While the increasing number of start-ups in the region is positive, it is obvious that late payments are likely to be a significant threat as businesses deal with the significant inflationary challenges ahead.

“It is crucial for local business owners, whether in start-ups or established companies, to be on top of their invoice ledgers and tackle late payments and the impact of bad debts as soon as they become evident.

“For those businesses which are already struggling, or whose directors may be worried about its situation, the sooner professional advice is sought, the more opportunities may be available for finding the best possible outcome. Many R3 members offer a free consultation to those who are looking for such help and want to explore their options.”

Planning granted for new 160,800 sq ft warehouse on former Weetabix site

Tess Egginton
-
0
Planning granted for new 160,800 sq ft warehouse on former Weetabix site
The construction of a new speculative 160,800 sq ft industrial warehouse on the site of the former Weetabix factory on the Earlstrees Industrial Estate in Corby has been given the green light by councillors. Copley Point Capital – on behalf of its Block Industrial program and Pembury Real Estate Ltd – submitted a planning application to North Northamptonshire Council earlier this year having purchased the 8-acre site on one of the town’s prime industrial parks. This application has just been approved by local councillors at a planning committee meeting.
The demolition of the existing building is close to being completed and the construction of the new unit will commence shortly with a view to delivering a new best-in-class facility by Q3-2023. The unit will be BREEAM Very Good rated and will feature a 12.5m minimum clear eaves height, 16-dock and two-level access doors, together with a 50m yard. Copley Point Capital director, Nimit Oberoi, said: “We’re very pleased to have obtained planning permission for ‘Earlstree160’ just seven months after our acquisition. This is a testament to the hard work of our team and the positive and pragmatic attitude of North Northamptonshire Council. “The development is in an excellent location where there is very little supply of new, high-specification industrial units. Earlstree 160 is best placed to help satisfy the strong demand for Grade A urban logistics and industrial space that there is for businesses operating locally, regionally and nationally.” Prop-Search, Cushman & Wakefield, and Potter Learoyd have been appointed as marketing agents and Richard Baker, a director of Prop-Search, added: “We are already encouraged by the level of enquiries we have received. The appetite for ‘A’ grade warehouse space in the region remains high and this development will further support local economic growth and offer new job opportunities.”

6,000 sq ft of office space in 17th Century barn conversions hits the market

Tess Egginton
-
0
6,000 sq ft of office space in 17th Century barn conversions hits the market
Almost 6,000 sq ft of office space in a series of 17th Century barn conversions has been brought to the market by Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultants, Wells McFarlane. At Dovecote Court in the southwest Leicestershire village of Potters Marston, Wells McFarlane is offering four converted office buildings to let, ranging in size from 643 sq ft – 1,982 sq ft. “These exceptional rural premises at Dovecote Court have become available for the first time in almost two decades, as the business park’s former anchor tenant relocates to continue expansion,” explains Wells McFarlane’s director, Andrew McFarlane Holt. “Set within the walled confines and grounds of Potters Marston Hall, each building offers a modern office environment, either open plan or cellular spaces with air conditioning, together with allocated parking, gated intercom entry and access to a unique rural setting including outdoor courtyard and uninterrupted views across the Leicestershire countryside.” Andrew adds: “Dovecote Court is well-known and when office space becomes available here it doesn’t remain for long so we encourage those looking for new premises to arrange viewings quickly. Since the pandemic, rural premises have proven exceptionally popular as business owners look to secure environments which are easily commutable, have established communities and are more conducive to wellbeing. Dovecote Court is ideally suited for businesses of all sizes and we’re offering these six offices with flexible lease terms.”

Eurocell secures 60,000 sq ft Alfreton distribution facility

Tess Egginton
-
0
Eurocell secures 60,000 sq ft Alfreton distribution facility
Eurocell Profiles Ltd has taken a recently refurbished 60,000 sq ft distribution facility at Garnham Close, Alfreton, Derbyshire. The building adds to its expanding portfolio of premises and depots across the UK and close to its headquarters, also based in Alfreton. The recent refurbishment of the property included a new roof and cladding, enhanced loading provision and substantially extended surfacing to create large yards to front and rear. Eurocell operates a nationwide network of more than 210 branches supplying a complete range of PVC-U roofline, conservatory roof, window trim and door products, as well as fixings, sealants and tools required for plastics-based jobs. It manufactures and stocks around 4,000 product lines and employs more than 1,000 staff across its network. Commercial Property Partners (CPP), in conjunction with joint agents FHP Property Consultants, negotiated terms and subsequently leased the premises to Eurocell. Sean Bremner, director at CPP, said: “The property underwent a substantial refurbishment and attracted a great deal of attention before we agreed terms with Eurocell Profiles. A key USP of the site is its low site density setting, creating a large yard for external storage which formed a key part of Eurocell’s requirements. We were delighted to be able to work with Eurocell to agree a final specification to create a facility to aid their expansion in Alfreton.” Tim Gilbertson from FHP said: “It’s great that we managed to secure such a strong covenant in Eurocell, our joint marketing created interest from any number of parties and we had to disappoint quite a few, which shows the strength of local demand and the lack of space available. We wish Eurocell well in their new home which we are sure will prove to be absolutely ideal for them.”

Leicester solar PV service provider rescued

Tess Egginton
-
0
Leicester solar PV service provider rescued
Rcapital has completed the acquisition of Avonside Energy Limited, the insulation and solar PV service provider. Avonside Energy is a standalone division of the Avonside Group that entered insolvency proceedings last week. The transaction incorporates the Avonside Renewables business which has also been rescued by Rcapital as part of the deal. The acquisition has been a solvent deal and Avonside Energy is not part of the wider group insolvency. Headquartered in Leicester, Avonside Energy has a strong national presence with operations in the West Midlands, East Midlands, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, Warrington and Stevenage. This transaction will ensure the preservation of over 100 jobs across the country. Avonside Energy will generate revenue of over £15 million this year and is profitable and cash generative. It employs over 100 skilled workers and is a key part of the new build supply chain, with major customers including Barratt Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon Homes, Redrow and Miller Homes. Rcapital is an experienced investor in the construction services sector, having previously owned Rock Roofing Contractors, Alsop Architects and Plowman Craven. This is Rcapital’s second construction services acquisition in the last two months. Rcapital has appointed experienced operator Nick Alexander as chairman to further strengthen the management team. Bill Rumble, Managing Director at Avonside Energy, said: “I’m delighted to confirm that agreement has been reached for Avonside Energy to be acquired by its management team with the support of Rcapital. This means it’s business as usual for Avonside Energy and the investment brought by Rcapital will mean we are in an even stronger position to make a major contribution towards the significant challenge our New Build customers face in satisfying the increased energy efficiency demands.” Chris Campbell, partner at Rcapital, said: “Avonside Energy is a profitable business and a significant employer across the country with an enviable blue-chip client base. We are delighted to be supporting Bill and his team and firmly believe that Avonside Energy will be integral to helping the UK achieve its decarbonisation strategy of net zero by 2050.” Kirstie Provan, partner at Begbies Traynor and joint administrator of Avonside Group Services Limited, said: “We are delighted to have completed the solvent rescue of the energy division of the Avonside Group, securing the preservation of a significant number of jobs and the future of the business. The purchase by Rcapital gives the business a solid platform from which to move forward, and we wish the management team every success.” Rcapital was advised by Browne Jacobson LLP. Begbies Traynor were advised by Pinsent Masons LLP.
1...826827828...1,092Page 827 of 1,092