Netherfield-based educational resources supplier acquires online Scandinavian nursery brand
Educational resources supplier Findel has acquired online Scandinavian nursery décor, furniture and baby toys brand Scandibørn for an undisclosed sum.
The Netherfield-based company will use its ownership of Scandibørn to further expand its early years offer, which is a key element of the company’s future growth plans. By joining the Findel family of brands, Scandibørn will further strengthen the company’s ethos of supporting children and growing education for generations.
All Scandibørn’s 38 employees, including the company’s founder Grace Tindall, have transferred to Findel and the Scandibørn brand and website will continue as they are.
Findel Chief Executive, Chris Mahady, said: “Scandibørn is a leading online brand for 0–4-year-old babies and toddlers which provides us with the ideal platform for further growth within the early years marketplace.
“We are very pleased to welcome Scandibørn to the Findel family. We believe the brand has tremendous untapped potential and are confident we can realise it by creating sustainable profitable growth with the support that being part of Findel will deliver.
“We will work closely with the company’s existing suppliers to further evolve Scandibørn’s offer for the benefit of our customers and the children who are the ultimate benefactors of what we provide.”
Scandibørn was founded in 2016 and has its head office in Melton Mowbray. Findel’s origins as an educational resources supplier can be traced back to 1817. Today, its brands and websites offer more than 32,000 products to educators and parents based in the UK and overseas with the business exporting to 130 countries.
In addition to its distribution centre and offices in Netherfield, the company has its headquarters in Hyde, Greater Manchester, and employs around 300 people in total.
Scandibørn founder, Grace Tindall, said: “I am extremely pleased for us to become part of the wider Findel family of brands. We are all excited by the opportunities it brings to further enhance and grow the Scandibørn brand in the early years marketplace.”
Findel is backed by private equity firm Endless, which supported a management buy-out in April 2021.
Findel was supported on the transaction by law firm Walker Morris.
LDC exits investment in Littlefish
Mid-market private equity firm LDC has exited its minority investment in managed IT and cyber services provider Littlefish, to Bowmark Capital following a three-year partnership.Founded in 2003, Nottingham-based Littlefish provides a range of managed IT, cyber security, cloud and IT consultancy services to over 200 customers across both the private and public sectors.
LDC backed the management team at Littlefish in April 2019 with a minority investment to support the fast growth business. Over the last three years, the business has almost doubled revenues from £18.6m to £36.4m in its latest financial year.
During this period, the business continued to win significant new client contracts and developed its cyber security arm, which is now its fastest-growing service line. Littlefish also opened a new office in Sheffield and more than doubled its headcount to employ over 450 people across its Nottingham, Sheffield and London offices.
The transaction was led by LDC’s David Bains, partner and head of LDC’s East Midlands and East of England team.
Steve Robinson, CEO of Littlefish, said: “The business has been on a significant growth journey over the last 12 years, which has been achieved almost entirely organically. With LDC’s support, we have expanded our offering to cement Littlefish as a market-leader for quality and innovation in the delivery of end user services, and we’ve continued to invest in our people. Their flexibility, sector expertise and financial support have helped us to build our business with confidence.”
David Bains, partner and head of the East Midlands and East of England at LDC, added: “Littlefish is a stellar example of our growing tech industry here in the heart of the East Midlands. Its expansion is testament to the strength of the proposition that Steve and his team have developed. We’re proud to have been part of their journey during this exciting time, and we wish them every success on the next stage of their journey.”
LDC and the company was advised by Clearwater International (corporate finance), PwC (financial due diligence), Armstrong (commercial due diligence) and Browne Jacobson (legal).
Extra funding secured for Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby
The Nuclear AMRC has secured additional funding from Innovate UK to develop and deliver state-of-the-art training equipment for the new Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby.
The £1.3 million funding will help fund bespoke training equipment and IT facilities for engineering apprentices at the new training centre at Infinity Park Derby. The Nuclear Skills Academy will open its doors in September to train 200 apprentices a year for Rolls-Royce’s submarine propulsion business.
“There are significant skills shortages across the nuclear sector, and we urgently need to develop a new generation of skilled nuclear engineers to deliver the UK’s commitments for low-carbon power and national security,” says Andrew Storer, CEO of the Nuclear AMRC.
“High-quality training needs high-quality equipment tailored to the needs of the industry, and this new funding from Innovate UK helps ensure that apprentices at the Nuclear Skills Academy will be able to develop their skills on state-of-the-art equipment for advanced manufacturing. As a former Derby apprentice myself, I am very proud that we are helping set a new standard for training in the sector.”
The Nuclear AMRC, based at the University of Sheffield, is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a national alliance of seven leading manufacturing research centres backed by Innovate UK. The new funding has been provided by Innovate UK to support the Catapult’s work in addressing future skills gaps in key industries.
“Innovate UK is working closely with the Catapults to invest in skills development, a critical part of driving innovation and capitalising on emerging technologies,” says David Wilkes, director of Innovation Ecosystem at Innovate UK. “The additional £1.3 million funding to Nuclear AMRC for the Nuclear Skills Academy, provided by Innovate UK through the HVM Catapult, will help provide the foundations needed to strengthen the UK’s R&D system to enable recovery and growth across the economy.”
“The Nuclear Skills Academy is a much-needed investment in the skills that will enable low carbon power across the UK,” says Katherine Bennett, CEO of the HVM Catapult. “By connecting our world-class engineers to the future workforce, we are making sure that the next generation is not just prepared for the cutting-edge technologies of today, but also the emerging technologies of tomorrow. This will ensure the right skills are available for a vibrant future economy.”
Rolls-Royce is creating an extra 200 apprenticeships each year, for at least the next 10 years, providing a regular flow of new nuclear expertise to support Rolls-Royce’s commitments to the UK submarines programme. There has been strong interest in the four-year apprenticeships, with more than 1,200 applications for the initial 200 places. Offers have been made to more than 180 people.
Training will be led by the University of Derby, using material developed by the National College for Nuclear. The National College for Nuclear is a federation of education providers at further education and higher education levels, providing apprenticeship and training for nuclear projects.
The Nuclear Skills Academy will be based at the former iHub building at Infinity Park Derby. The University of Derby is working to develop the facility, and convert the building into a classroom learning space.
iHub is owned by Derby City Council, and opened in 2016 as a flexible workspace for start-ups, early-stage businesses and high-growth SMEs. The council is now working with existing iHub office tenants to manage their move to other properties within the Connect Derby estate or to find alternative premises.
The Nuclear AMRC has occupied workshops and offices in iHub since 2019. Construction is now underway on Infinity Park for a new full-scale home for Nuclear AMRC Midlands.
As well as allowing the Nuclear AMRC to expand its capabilities in areas including digital engineering, equipment qualification, and controls and instrumentation, the new 4,300m2 facility will also provide a new home to the University of Derby’s Institute of Innovation in Sustainable Engineering. The Nuclear AMRC Midlands facility is part-funded by £9 million from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
Meet the sponsors: the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
In less than a month the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will take place on Thursday 15 September, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks, the event has been backed by a plethora of prestigious sponsors.
Workplace consultants and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors offer award-winning, people-focused office design and fit out with the aim to create environments that have a positive impact on those that use them.
Blueprint’s work involves transforming average spaces into inspiring workplaces that prioritise wellbeing and where people feel empowered to achieve their goals.
The company, which is based in Ashby de la Zouch, is sponsoring the most active agent category for the third year running. The winner of this category will be the estate agents who has had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service.
Frank Key – sponsor of commercial development of the year
Since 1907 Frank Key have been renowned for supplying market-leading building, plumbing and timber materials. Built on family values, it has grown to now stock interiors, landscaping, civils and drainage products, as well as providing high-quality plant and tool hire equipment, making Frank Key a true one-stop shop for all your project requirements.
Frank Key understands that convenience and getting the right product, at the right time and place is important to all its customers, as such it now covers a larger area across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Lancashire.
A returning sponsor of commercial development of the year, the winner of this category will be the 
commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd. Developments must have been completed within the last 12 months.
Press for Attention PR – sponsor of responsible business of the year
Press for Attention PR’s founder, Greg Simpson, quite simply thinks that PR is ‘broken’. It appears out of reach for so many businesses but it does not need to be like this. Greg established the agency in 2008 having spent the previous decade announcing business news to the regional and national press, or receiving it as a former journalist. He
had worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan.
As well as being a former journalist, Greg has been a marketing manager for a £60m business, and is the author of The Small Business Guide To PR. This background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s and consultant’s perspective.
Press for Attention is returning to sponsor the responsible business award for another year. The winner of this award will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain.
Sterling Commercial Finance – sponsor of residential development of the year
Established in the year 2000, Sterling Commercial Finance have been arranging commercial finance for its clients for over 20 years. Its professional team are from a commercial banking and accountancy background and have extensive experience in Commercial Mortgages, Property Funding, Business Loans, Invoice and Asset Finance. Sterling also source funding for Company Acquisitions and Management Buy-Outs.
Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult for a business to approach their existing bank for funding. As an independent commercial finance brokerage, Sterling can help you source and secure finance from its panel of Challenger Banks, Specialist Lenders and Alternative Finance providers.
Sterling is another repeat sponsor, backing residential 
development of the year. The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Ward – sponsor of developer of the year
Specialists in metal recycling and waste management, Ward aims to prevent 100% of the waste it collects from ending up in landfill. With a turnover in excess of £300million Ward is the largest independent metal and waste recycling company in the Midlands with multiple sites nationwide. Stretching from London to Middlesbrough it can provide UK coverage for metal and recycling solutions.
An ISO accredited, multi-award winning, fourth generation family-run business, Ward has been established for over 80 years and now employs over 400 people locally with a fleet of more than 120 modern vehicles.
Ward is returning to sponsor developer of the year for another year. The winner of this category will be the 
developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers – sponsor of deal of the year
category will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned. Deal must have been completed over the last 12 months.
OMS – sponsor of architects of the year
Trading for over 23 years, OMS was founded by Clive Ormerod to build on his extensive experience and to provide consultancy and training services to the highest possible standards and with a culture that is recognised as highly ethical. With a clear focus on listening to its customers, OMS has grown through developing solutions that meet customer needs and aspirations.
Today, OMS has a core team at its head office and training centre in Leicestershire, as well as a number of other training venues throughout the Midlands and UK and a network of specialist associates, enabling it to provide a broad range of expertise to public and private sector organisations of all sizes.
Returning to sponsor architects of the year in 2022, the winner of this award will be the 
architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Cawarden – sponsor of excellence in design
Cawarden is a family-owned and operated specialist contractor with over 35 years of experience in delivering exemplary projects.
It has a rich history of successfully delivering demolition, land remediation and earthworks projects across the UK. These activities remain its core business. However, its capability continues to grow to meet the changing needs of its valued clients.
Today, Cawarden offers a range of services that can be tailored to clients’ requirements. Cawarden can fulfil a one-off service or integrated ‘destruction to construction’ solution – resulting in value-engineering, programme efficiencies and value for money.
Cawarden is a new sponsor this year, backing excellence in design, the winner of which will be those who have shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner.
Viridis Building Services – sponsor of sustainable development of the year
Viridis Building Services are experts in helping you create sustainable, appealing and cost-effective buildings. They understand how every single detail in the construction of a building can impact our environment. Working in partnership with architects, builders, project managers and their clients, they provide intelligent, innovative and, above all, sustainable building services to projects across a wide range of sectors.
From designing in core sustainable principles at the earliest stages of projects, through to delivering low-carbon, low-cost lighting, water and energy systems, Viridis are ensuring the East Midlands spearheads Sustainability and Environmental Design.
Returning to sponsor sustainable development of the year, the winner of this award will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
RammSanderson – sponsor of contractor of the year
RammSanderson are ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk consultants, providing services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across all scales of developments. They are founded on the principles of customer service, technical excellence and pragmatic solution-based consulting.
RammSanderson was established by Oliver Ramm and Nick Sanderson in 2014. Since then they have grown to a team of 40 staff over offices in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
RammSanderson are backing contractor of the year for the first time this year, which celebrates the contractors who work on the project. This
award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. Contracts must have been within the last 12 months.
Streets Chartered Accountants – sponsor of overall winner
The practice was founded in 1907 and today has annualised fee income of £20 million, 36 partners and over 200 staff.
Repeatedly returning to sponsor the overall winner award at the Bricks, this award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated and receiving a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Brooklands Service Group – drinks sponsor
Brooklands Service Group are specialist providers of exterior cleaning services and have been supporting some of the UK’s largest house builders and construction companies over the last seven years.
Backing the Bricks for the first time this year, the business is the event’s drinks sponsor.
Meet the sponsors of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Blueprint Interiors – sponsor of most active agent
Workplace consultants and commercial office interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors offer award-winning, people-focused office design and fit out with the aim to create environments that have a positive impact on those that use them.
Blueprint’s work involves transforming average spaces into inspiring workplaces that prioritise wellbeing and where people feel empowered to achieve their goals.
The company, which is based in Ashby de la Zouch, is sponsoring the most active agent category for the third year running. The winner of this category will be the estate agents who has had the biggest impact on the commercial property sector over the last 12 months, whether that be in deals done, quality of any given deal, or excellent customer service.
Frank Key – sponsor of commercial development of the year
Since 1907 Frank Key have been renowned for supplying market-leading building, plumbing and timber materials. Built on family values, it has grown to now stock interiors, landscaping, civils and drainage products, as well as providing high-quality plant and tool hire equipment, making Frank Key a true one-stop shop for all your project requirements.
Frank Key understands that convenience and getting the right product, at the right time and place is important to all its customers, as such it now covers a larger area across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Lancashire.
A returning sponsor of commercial development of the year, the winner of this category will be the commercial development that has gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction. This can include special requirements, features or elements that make the commercial development stand out from the crowd. Developments must have been completed within the last 12 months.
Press for Attention PR – sponsor of responsible business of the year
Press for Attention PR’s founder, Greg Simpson, quite simply thinks that PR is ‘broken’. It appears out of reach for so many businesses but it does not need to be like this. Greg established the agency in 2008 having spent the previous decade announcing business news to the regional and national press, or receiving it as a former journalist. He
had worked for FTSE 100 firms, charities and start-ups and conducted press conferences with Sir Richard Branson and James Caan.
As well as being a former journalist, Greg has been a marketing manager for a £60m business, and is the author of The Small Business Guide To PR. This background ensures a deep understanding of every facet of a successful PR campaign – from a journalist’s, client’s and consultant’s perspective.
Press for Attention is returning to sponsor the responsible business award for another year. The winner of this award will have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field, working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates and setting a shining example for the rest of the supply chain.
Sterling Commercial Finance – sponsor of residential development of the year
Established in the year 2000, Sterling Commercial Finance have been arranging commercial finance for its clients for over 20 years. Its professional team are from a commercial banking and accountancy background and have extensive experience in Commercial Mortgages, Property Funding, Business Loans, Invoice and Asset Finance. Sterling also source funding for Company Acquisitions and Management Buy-Outs.
Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult for a business to approach their existing bank for funding. As an independent commercial finance brokerage, Sterling can help you source and secure finance from its panel of Challenger Banks, Specialist Lenders and Alternative Finance providers.
Sterling is another repeat sponsor, backing residential development of the year. The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to providing much-needed housing in the East Midlands. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Ward – sponsor of developer of the year
Specialists in metal recycling and waste management, Ward aims to prevent 100% of the waste it collects from ending up in landfill. With a turnover in excess of £300million Ward is the largest independent metal and waste recycling company in the Midlands with multiple sites nationwide. Stretching from London to Middlesbrough it can provide UK coverage for metal and recycling solutions.
An ISO accredited, multi-award winning, fourth generation family-run business, Ward has been established for over 80 years and now employs over 400 people locally with a fleet of more than 120 modern vehicles.
Ward is returning to sponsor developer of the year for another year. The winner of this category will be the developer that has truly pushed the limit over the last 12 months. Their scheme(s) will have shown to not only be a success, but that there was true demand for them. The winning developer will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver award winning results. There is no size limit, but schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers – sponsor of deal of the year
Blythin & Brown’s experienced team are here to help guide you through all your insurance and risk management needs whether that be for your business, personal life or a combination of the two. The firm understands the ever-changing demands of business today and looks to use its expertise and knowledge to explore new ways of managing and reducing your risk exposure, giving you more time to focus on what matters to you.
With 50 years experience, Blythin & Brown help businesses meet the needs of their insurers to obtain the most competitive deal. Blythin & Brown works with an extensive list of leading UK insurance providers to offer the very best package to suit your needs.
Coming on board as sponsor of deal of the year for the first time, the winner of thiscategory will be the deal that has truly pushed the boundaries over the last 12 months – from jobs created to complexity, size and scale. However, that’s not to say the biggest deal will automatically win; the deal which has had most impact in the East Midlands is what we’re looking for. The winning deal will have displayed courage in a tough market to deliver a great outcome for all concerned. Deal must have been completed over the last 12 months.
OMS – sponsor of architects of the year
Trading for over 23 years, OMS was founded by Clive Ormerod to build on his extensive experience and to provide consultancy and training services to the highest possible standards and with a culture that is recognised as highly ethical. With a clear focus on listening to its customers, OMS has grown through developing solutions that meet customer needs and aspirations.
Today, OMS has a core team at its head office and training centre in Leicestershire, as well as a number of other training venues throughout the Midlands and UK and a network of specialist associates, enabling it to provide a broad range of expertise to public and private sector organisations of all sizes.
Returning to sponsor architects of the year in 2022, the winner of this award will be the architects who have had the greatest impact on the region, be it in a single development or a series of them. Originality, the ability to rise to a challenge or initiative shown in accomplishing a difficult brief, this award celebrates our architects. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
Cawarden – sponsor of excellence in design
Cawarden is a family-owned and operated specialist contractor with over 35 years of experience in delivering exemplary projects.
It has a rich history of successfully delivering demolition, land remediation and earthworks projects across the UK. These activities remain its core business. However, its capability continues to grow to meet the changing needs of its valued clients.
Today, Cawarden offers a range of services that can be tailored to clients’ requirements. Cawarden can fulfil a one-off service or integrated ‘destruction to construction’ solution – resulting in value-engineering, programme efficiencies and value for money.
Cawarden is a new sponsor this year, backing excellence in design, the winner of which will be those who have shown true originality in design excellence across a scheme or schemes over the last 12 months, whether this be aesthetically, functionally or in any other manner.
Viridis Building Services – sponsor of sustainable development of the year
Viridis Building Services are experts in helping you create sustainable, appealing and cost-effective buildings. They understand how every single detail in the construction of a building can impact our environment. Working in partnership with architects, builders, project managers and their clients, they provide intelligent, innovative and, above all, sustainable building services to projects across a wide range of sectors.
From designing in core sustainable principles at the earliest stages of projects, through to delivering low-carbon, low-cost lighting, water and energy systems, Viridis are ensuring the East Midlands spearheads Sustainability and Environmental Design.
Returning to sponsor sustainable development of the year, the winner of this award will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. Schemes must have been completed over the last 12 months.
RammSanderson – sponsor of contractor of the year
RammSanderson are ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk consultants, providing services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across all scales of developments. They are founded on the principles of customer service, technical excellence and pragmatic solution-based consulting.
RammSanderson was established by Oliver Ramm and Nick Sanderson in 2014. Since then they have grown to a team of 40 staff over offices in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.
RammSanderson are backing contractor of the year for the first time this year, which celebrates the contractors who work on the project. This award celebrates builders, construction companies and the contractors themselves, and nominees should be those who have gone above and beyond the word of the contract to deliver a truly exceptional service. Contracts must have been within the last 12 months.
Streets Chartered Accountants – sponsor of overall winner
Streets Chartered Accountants is a well-established and widely respected mid-tier, top 40 UK firm of Chartered Accountants, advising a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurial growth companies, high net worth individuals and third sector not for profit organisations.
The practice was founded in 1907 and today has annualised fee income of £20 million, 36 partners and over 200 staff.
Repeatedly returning to sponsor the overall winner award at the Bricks, this award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated and receiving a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Brooklands Service Group – drinks sponsor
Brooklands Service Group are specialist providers of exterior cleaning services and have been supporting some of the UK’s largest house builders and construction companies over the last seven years.
Backing the Bricks for the first time this year, the business is the event’s drinks sponsor.
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 – click here to secure yours.
Manufacturing output falls
UK manufacturing output fell for the first time since February 2021 in the three months to August, with no growth expected in the three months ahead. That’s according to the latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey from the CBI and Accenture.
Manufacturers also reported order books falling below “normal” levels, and expectations for selling price inflation picking up.
The survey, based on responses from 257 manufacturers, found:
- Manufacturing output volumes fell in the three months to August (balance of -7%, from +6% in three months to July), marking the first time since February 2021 that output has declined. Output is expected to be broadly flat in the next three months (-2%), making a significant worsening of expectations from just a few months ago.
- Output increased in 10 out of 17 sectors in the three months to August. The fall in headline growth reported this quarter was largely driven by food, drink & tobacco, mechanical engineering and paper, printing & media.
- Total order books were reported as below “normal” for the first time since April 2021 (-7% from +8% in July). Export orders were also seen as below par, to the same extent as last month (-12% from -12%).
- Stocks of finished goods were seen as broadly adequate in August, after being seen as less than adequate in the previous quarter (+2% from -7% in July).
- Expectations for average selling price inflation have picked up (+57% from +48%) and remain well above the long-run average (+6%).
Henry Brothers selected for YORbuild framework
Contractor Henry Brothers Midlands has been appointed to Lot 2 of the YORbuild3 Minor Works Framework.
The company has been successful for the South region of the framework, which covers local authorities, public sector bodies and third sector organisations in the South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, and North Derbyshire areas.
Henry Brothers has been selected for the Lot that includes new build and refurbishment projects valued between £1m and £4m.
It is estimated that around £60m of work over four years will be procured for the South region of the framework via the Lot.
Managing Director of Henry Brothers Midlands, Ian Taylor, said: “This is great news for Henry Brothers as we continue to expand our portfolio.
“It is the eighth framework that Henry Brothers Midlands is currently on, meaning we have access to a significant pipeline of work in a range of sectors, including health, local authorities, and education.
“We look forward to working in partnership with clients who procure via the YORbuild3 Minor Works Framework.”
The South region of the framework is being procured by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and relates to the area covered by the Sheffield Local Enterprise Partnership. It includes the areas overseen by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Sheffield City Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Bassetlaw District Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, and Bolsover District Council.
Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Midlands is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out.
Polystyrene firm expands with warehouse acquisition
A manufacturer of expanded polystyrene products is launching a new base in Northamptonshire after acquiring a mid-box warehouse unit.
Sundolitt Ltd completed its search for a regional headquarters with the purchase of Centrix58 – a recently constructed 58,586 sq ft unit at Centrix Business Park in Corby. Centrix58 is the final development at the 39-acre business park.
Eamon Kennedy, executive partner and head of commercial agency at Kirkby Diamond, acted on behalf of Sundolitt, negotiating with joint agents Burbage Realty and FHP, acting on behalf of developers NFU Mutual and Clowes Developments to complete the multi-million pound deal.
Eamon said: “I was instructed by Sundolitt last year to find a freehold warehouse unit of between 50,000 and 70,000 sq ft. It took time to find the perfect property for the business because of the well-documented shortage of industrial units right across the region.
“We were originally looking in the Luton to Coventry M1 corridor but had to expand our search due to the lack of freehold stock. Centrix58 was initially only available on a leasehold basis, but we were able to negotiate with Burbage Realty to sell the freehold. We are delighted we have been able to complete the acquisition. It is a high quality unit in an excellent location and fits Sundolitt’s requirements perfectly.”
Colin Morrow, general manager of Sundolitt, said: “Sundolitt were delighted with the service offered by Kirkby Diamond in our search for a new unit.”
Centrix58 has excellent links to the A14 and M1. It has four dock level doors, parking for 74 vehicles and four EV charging points.
Sundolitt Ltd is the UK business of the Sunde Group, a highly respected leader in the manufacture of 100% recyclable EPS (expanded Polystyrene) and XPS (extruded polystyrene) products.
Green light granted to change Derby pub into student accommodation
Planning & Design Practice have secured planning permission for change of use of The Mile pub in Derby city centre into student accommodation.
Situated within the Friar Gate Conservation area of Derby and standing proud on one of the main routes into city centre, the former pub had been popular over the years as part of the infamous ‘Derby Mile’ pub crawl. This began at Markeaton Island, continued down Ashbourne Road to Friar Gate and then onto the city centre for anyone left standing. ‘Crawlers’ would take on the challenge of having a drink, usually a pint, in each of the pubs.
The Mile pub used to be owned by Marston’s Brewery until it was bought out privately. The pub has had a few different names above its door, from The Thirsty Scholar, The Wheel Inn, The Old Wheel Inn, and The Garrick back in the 1970’s.
Over the years, with increased competition plus changing tastes and social attitudes, the pub seemed to lose its curb appeal, and as customers coming in for a drink dried up so did the money.
As such the current owners looked to find another use for the building. As the upper floors of the pub had already been converted into residential accommodation, it seemed the preferred option was to convert the ground floor into residential too, given the area comprises a mix of commercial, student living and shops and being in such close proximity to the city centre.
Having worked with the client previously on another residential scheme, the client returned to Planning & Design Practice to help them visualize a scheme and layout design which would preserve the character and history of the pub as well as the street scene, and for Planning & Design Practice to help them get the best chance of an approval in planning terms.
The final scheme includes a two-storey rear extension, a courtyard to the rear for an amenity space for the residents and a cycle store.
Top UK supplier of sparkle and feathers moves into new Mansfield business park
The UK’s leading supplier of ostrich feathers and sequins to customers like Strictly Come Dancing and the X-Factor has moved into a new Mansfield business park.
Diamante Crafts has bought a 2,500 sq ft unit at Aria Park, off Sherwood Avenue, built by commercial property developers Priority Space, working with HG Sites.
The family business, which sells quality arts and craft supplies, is expanding into its new larger workspace, in response to increased demand for its products from makers, designers and creatives across the UK.
Its colourful ostrich feathers and own-brand diamante jewels have been sought out for Anton Du Beke stage productions, Elton John music videos and Gok Wan fashion shoots. They have added sparkle and colour to Notting Hill Carnival and the latest Dumbo film produced at Pinewood Studios.
Jacqueline O’Neil, who founded the business in 2006, said: “We source our own products globally and have built a reputation for quality over the years, increasing sales ten-fold since I started running the business from my home.
“Lately, we found we were bursting out of our former rented unit at Old Mill Lane and the business was just standing still because we didn’t have the room to grow.
“The new unit we’ve bought at Aria Park allows us to extend our range and buy more in bulk so that we can respond quickly to increased demand for our products.”
Sales have also grown recently since the company became one of only two UK authorised sellers of Italian heat transfer vinyl brand, Siser.
Run by Jacqueline, husband Michael and their three children with one other staff member – Diamante Crafts hopes to create new jobs within the next few months.
They have already added a mezzanine floor to the unit, effectively doubling storage and display space to 5,000 sq ft, and plan to start craft classes with local makers shortly.
Director of Priority Space Lee Buchanan said: “We’re really pleased to see Diamante Crafts move into Aria Park and expand their business. This is what we are all about, creating spacious, high-specification units which SMEs can customise to their requirements and grow successful small and medium enterprises.”
All 18 units at Aria Park have now been taken by SMEs including an electrical engineer, homeware wholesaler, and automotive shrink wrap specialist.
Built by Britcon, the £4.5 million development adds 36,250 sq ft of premium industrial and warehouse space to 2.7 acres of unused land at Sherwood Oaks Business Park, close to Mansfield town centre, with easy access to the A38 and M1.
Lee Buchanan, director at Priority Space, added: “Many businesses moving into Aria Park are investing in these properties to support growth in response to increased online trade and a greater need for storage and distribution capacity. The site is the perfect location for enterprises needing either a regional or a UK-wide reach.”
Jacqueline added: “We aim to boost sales via our website but also welcome shoppers to the unit. We already have visits from schoolteachers preparing wall displays to dance troupes getting ready for shows and even anglers making flies for fishing! We look forward to supplying more creative types across the UK and locally.”
Palatine-backed CTS Group strengthens with geo-environmental deal
Palatine-backed CTS Group has acquired the geo-technical and geo-environmental specialist In Situ Site Investigation Limited, the latest of nine acquisitions that have given the technical consulting firm a leading position in testing infrastructure materials, surveying and monitoring services.
With headquarters in St Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex, In Situ Site Investigation employs 37 staff and operates internationally across many locations. The company is a well-established ground investigation services business founded in 2008 by Managing Director Darren Ward. It has grown strongly over the years based on a strong client focus, enabling them to branch out into other areas of Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) as well as Pressuremeters such as Self Boring Pressuremeters (SBPs), High Pressure Dilatometers (HPDs), Ménard Pressuremeter tests and Cone Pressuremeter testing.
Phil Coles, Chief Executive at Leicester-headquartered CTS Group, said: “With this latest acquisition, we are creating a premier infrastructure testing, consulting, inspection and compliance company and I’m delighted to welcome the In Situ Site Investigation team to the CTS Group.
“In Situ Site Investigation is an extraordinary company with a fantastic service offering and team, an incredible reputation and we are thrilled that they are joining the CTS Group. Continuing to grow our capabilities and expand our portfolio whilst at the same time growing and further strengthening our client relationships across our business is critical to our ongoing success and is at the very heart of our strategy.
“This acquisition complements the previous deals announced over the past two years and reinforces our commitment to growth through attracting complimentary businesses and market leading talent.”
Darren Ward, Managing Director at In Situ Site Investigation Limited, said: “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for In Situ Site Investigation, one where we will be able to accelerate our vision of providing quality site investigation services whilst maintaining our good, friendly customer service and continuing to deliver on our clients’ requirements.
“I’m delighted to be continuing to support the future growth of the combined business and integration process. Our existing clients will be able to benefit from CTS’s extensive experience and knowledge within the testing, inspection and compliance industry.”
Tom Hustler, investment director at Palatine, said: “Since we invested in CTS in 2018 we have successfully supported the management team in implementing a Buy and Build strategy to accelerate growth and amplify the many and varied qualities within the business.
“This transaction, CTS’s second acquisition within a week, represents our continued commitment to broadening CTS’s geographical coverage, as well as diversifying the group’s infrastructure services offering, in a bid to align a fragmented marketplace.”
