New project to focus on skills needs in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is to lead a new project which will look at the future skills needs of businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, and technical education provision in the area.
By working with local employers and key education providers, this project will seek to set out the key priorities and changes needed to make post-16 technical education or training in the area more closely aligned with the skills needs of local employers and the local economy.
The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is an initiative funded by the Department for Education, which has selected FSB as the lead Employer Representative Body (ERB) to head up the LSIP in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
As part of the project, FSB will be holding a series of events during the autumn in conjunction with employers and education and training providers across the region.
This will influence the recommendations of a report to be completed by mid-2023.
FSB national chair, Martin McTague, said: “FSB has long encouraged and promoted the need for an employer-led skills agenda and so we’re delighted to have this opportunity to lead the development of this plan in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
“We look forward to working alongside employers, key education providers and local stakeholders to help shape the future skills and local provision in the area.”
FSB development manager for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, Natalie Gasson-McKinley said: “We’re keen to hear from and engage with a range of businesses to shine a spotlight on the skills employers most need in the workplace but struggle to find locally.
“We’ll work closely alongside key education providers in the region to build on the relationships between business and education and ensure practical solutions can be agreed to drive change locally.
“We’re confident this will be a ‘win-win’ scenario for all local employers finding the talent suited to their business needs, whilst boosting employability for young people in post-16 education.
“As we work towards producing the report next year we are keen to align with regional strategies and help ensure local businesses and people have the skills they need to thrive and grow in the future.”
Thorn Baker recruit 180 people for Nottinghamshire logistics company
180 people in Nottinghamshire have been able to find employment thanks to a successful recruitment campaign carried out by industrial recruitment specialist, Thorn Baker Industrial Recruitment.
The company partnered with DMW Logistics Limited to support its ambitious recruitment plans for the remainder of 2022 and has successfully found 180 people new roles with the logistics specialist in just four weeks.
All the jobs are based at DMW’s site in Sutton In Ashfield and are necessary to help the company prepare for its busy Christmas period. DMW, which specialises in contract packing and delivery for a range of major high street retailers across the UK and Europe, needed temporary contract packing workers for the peak season. Additional roles such as logistics, warehouse and fork-lift truck drivers have been filled, and others remain available.
Thorn Baker managed the entire recruitment process, finding high quality staff for DMW following the successful renewal of its contract which was first awarded in 2021. Thorn Baker has an established on-site recruitment team at DMW’s premises so that it can best serve the candidates working on site. The team includes Elene Ursache, Diana Ion and David Strzelecki who all have a wealth of recruitment experience.
Matthew Dann from Thorn Baker says: “We were delighted to be selected as the preferred recruiter again and I look forward to building a long-term relationship with DMW. In a difficult recruitment market, I am pleased that the team has found suitable staff for DMW so quickly and that we will be on hand to support the company over its busy period in the run up to Christmas.”
Stefan Wilcockson, production manager at DMW, says: “We chose Thorn Baker as our preferred supplier again as even though last year proved very difficult for temporary staffing, we received high service levels throughout the year, and this year has been the same!”
Richard Borland, head of On-Site at Thorn Baker, adds: “There are still some roles available at DMW so I would encourage anyone looking for employment to get in touch and speak with us about the variety of roles available. We have developed a good team here and our onsite department is here to make people’s journey into their new role successful, so you will be supported throughout the process.”
Milestone Communications joins RSK Group
Milestone Communications, specialists in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering for the UK’s leading telecoms and renewable energy suppliers, has joined RSK Group, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions.
Established in 2004 from their head office in Leicestershire, Milestone boasts a team of 80 sector experts and has grown to a yearly turnover of more than £8m.
Milestone’s joint Managing Directors, Adrian Whalley and Gavin Baxter, said: “This is an exciting step for both Milestone’s future as a business and for our highly skilled employees. We are looking forward to bringing Milestone’s unique service offerings and culture to the RSK Group as well as gaining the structure, support and opportunities that the group environment will provide.”
As RSK continues to deliver its ambitious growth strategy it is now comprised of more than 175 companies, employing 10,000 people. The group’s annual turnover at the end of FY22 is expected to be in excess of £800 million, more than double the previous year.
The acquisition adviser was Max Ward of Independence Capital.
Alan Ryder, RSK Group CEO, said: “The addition of Milestone’s considerable expertise to RSK will serve the group and its clients well; enhancing our current strength in the renewables sector whilst improving the group’s access to the telecommunications market. We are particularly excited about Milestone’s steel fabrication capabilities which will bring a much-valued skillset in-house for the group and allow us to continue to expand in line with growing market demands.”
Nottingham nursery setting sold to national operator after 31-year ownership
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Carrington Day Nursery in Nottinghamshire to Kids Planet.
Established by exiting owner, Tina Jones, in 1991, Carrington Day Nursery is a busy setting with a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. It has capacity for up to 98 children aged six weeks to five years, and is ideally located at the start of the Mansfield Road in the Nottingham suburb of Carrington.
Over the years, Tina has maintained an excellent reputation as a proactive owner with a dedicated and loyal team. After 31 years of ownership, she decided to sell to retire from the sector and pursue other interests.
The setting has now been purchased by national operator, Kids Planet, which was particularly attracted to the location and the prominence of the setting. With this acquisition, the group has 126 nurseries in its portfolio.
Tina Jones says: “I’m looking forward to having the time to pursue other interests now I’m in the knowledge that Carrington Day Nursery is in Kids Planet’s safe hands.”
Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet, says: “Carrington Day Nursery is set in a wonderful Victorian building and has established a good reputation in the local area. The setting has a strong focus on quality provision and experiences for children and their families, and I see many synergies with our own ethos. We are delighted to welcome Carrington into the Kids Planet family and we look forward to supporting the team.”
Jassi Sunner, associate director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, who worked on the sale, says: “It has been a real pleasure to negotiate the sale of Carrington Day Nursery, not only because of the quality and reputation of the setting but also for the parties involved who worked well together after our introduction. Kids Planet continue their dominant acquisition trail in the Midlands and we are delighted to be part of the introductions made to those tentatively seeking an exit.”
Carrington Day Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.
Only two weeks left until the winners of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 are revealed at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
With the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 set to take place later this month (Thursday 15 September), there’s not long left to secure your seat at the prestigious event.
The awards recognise and celebrate those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – showcasing the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months.
They also present a prime opportunity to network with the leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands.
Attend the glittering awards ceremony at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground 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.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Tickets can be booked here.
The event, which will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, 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. Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.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.
To be held at:
Plans submitted to create visitor destination and education centre within the grounds of historic Harlaxton Manor
Urban Edge Architecture has submitted a planning application to South Kesteven District Council on behalf of Harlaxton College for the restoration of the disused Walled Garden at the historic Harlaxton Manor, near Grantham, to create a stunning and sustainable visitor attraction and educational experience.
As landscape architect and project lead, Urban Edge worked in close collaboration with Harlaxton College to create a masterplan for the 56.65ha site and a detailed landscape design focused around the historic Grade II* Listed Walled Garden, which will not only restore the historic fabric, but recreate the original productive function of the garden and introduce opportunities for education and participation.
The proposals have been submitted following extensive engagement with stakeholders and with representatives of the community and officers of South Kesteven District Council, Historic England and Lincolnshire County Council.
Andrew Cottage, head of Landscape Design at Urban Edge, said: “This is an exceptional project in which we have applied our landscape design skills and understanding of the historic environment to deliver a practical and beautiful scheme that will meet the needs of the College and satisfy the requirements of Historic England and the planning authority.
“On completion the public will have access to assets of heritage significance which have previously been inaccessible to visitors helping them to understand, appreciate and interpret the past.”
The Walled Garden will be made fully accessible and will be arranged around a series of axial vistas dividing the area into a series of garden rooms, each with a different character. Some areas will focus on the historic roots of the garden, emphasising the production of fruit, vegetables, herbs and cut flowers, with others being themed with specialist planting, such as four seasons, medicinal and sensory gardens. Tall hedges aligned with the axial paths will introduce a sense of intrigue and drama by not allowing the whole garden rooms to be seen at once and will create a sense of arrival in to the next character area.
The scheme includes associated visitor infrastructure such as a new car park; footpath network and play area, whilst a large lawn will create a flexible space for informal gatherings and more formal events such as performances and parties. The listed Gardener’s House is being restored and converted by HP Architects Ltd into a new café, visitor facilities and education centre. The two historic vineries will be sensitively replaced and will serve as a café seating area with splendid views across the gardens and an education centre.
Despite the challenges of working with heritage assets, sustainability was a key focus of the design, which included elements such as green roofs, ground source heat pumps and solar panels on the roof of the new energy centre. EV charging points will be included in the car park, and the whole project is targeting BREEAM Very Good.
Concludes Andrew: “This is a remarkable opportunity for us to be involved in a very exciting project to restore an historic walled garden and make it relevant in the 21st century, creating opportunities for education, participation and horticultural innovation. It was immensely rewarding to lead and coordinate such a talented multidisciplinary design team to achieve such an impressive outcome.”
Urban Edge’s design is part of an on-going process by Harlaxton College, the overseas study centre of the University of Evansville, in close liaison with Historic England, to restore and preserve the historic features within the estate and remove the Grade II* listed grounds and gardens from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
Full Design Team:
Landscape Architect: Urban Edge Architecture
Architect: HP Architects Ltd
Business planner and Cost Consultant: Focus Consultants
M&E Engineer: BCA
Structural and Civil Engineer: CTP Engineers
Sustainability Consultant: Focus Consultants
Ecologist: Inspired Ecology
Arboriculturalist: RPS
New account director and office for Nottingham PR agency
There is cause for double celebration at Nottingham PR agency RedTree PR as the company opens its new office on Regent Street in Nottingham City Centre, and appoints a new account director following a period of consistent growth.
The move into its new office lays the foundations for the future growth of the business, which was established by Managing Director Chris Mitchell in 2013. Since then, the firm has grown to work with a range of clients across the UK, primarily in the education, finance, property and construction sectors.
To support its client base, the company has also appointed Sarah Wilkinson. Sarah joins the business as an account director, and will be responsible for developing and delivering client PR and content strategies and supporting the growth of RedTree PR.
Sarah joins the business from her previous role as PR & content marketing specialist at Mortgage Advice Bureau, and brings with her a wealth of marketing experience from numerous different industries, including travel and tourism, software development and financial services.
Speaking on the appointment, Chris Mitchell, Managing Director at RedTree PR, said: “Sarah has significant experience that will be perfect for our current clients, future clients and the business as a whole. I am delighted to welcome Sarah to RedTree and I am looking forward to her becoming an integral part of the company over the coming years.”
Sarah added: “Having worked as part of an inhouse Marketing team for the past five years, I am delighted to join the RedTree team and very much look forward to rediscovering my agency roots.
“RedTree is held in very high regard by its broad portfolio of clients so I’m excited to get stuck in and deliver results for our clients and drive the growth of RedTree.”
The move to Regent Street and Sarah’s appointment follows a period of consistent growth driven by new client wins. The company has recently started working with IMA Architects and construction company Enrok Construction, and has also been retained by its established clients.
Lutterworth hygiene solutions firm snapped up
Enact has acquired PAL International from its family owners. Established in 1970, PAL has over forty years experience in providing hygiene solutions and infection control in healthcare, food manufacturing and industrial markets.
PAL’s head office, medical grade manufacturing site and European warehouse are based in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. The business also has an office & warehouse in Dubai helping to support an extensive distribution network that covers more than 70 countries.
Chris Cormack, partner of Enact, said: “We are delighted to acquire PAL and provide the investment needed to recapitalise the business. The PAL brand is recognised and trusted worldwide and has an excellent reputation in the highly regulated markets in which it operates.
“We are looking forward to supporting the management team to take advantage of a number of identified market opportunities which will enable further growth and development of the PAL brand.”
Enact invests transformational capital of up to £5 million into UK-based SMEs. The individuals who comprise the investor base of Enact Fund II include successful entrepreneurs, existing and former Board members of successful Yorkshire businesses and management from former portfolio companies. The single biggest investor in the Fund is the Endless and Enact partner and employee group.
Enact was advised by Simon Pilling, James Cook and David Ridley of Womble Bond Dickinson and Russ Cahill of the Tax Advisory Partnership. PAL were advised by Interpath and Freeths.
Tim Bateson, director at Interpath Advisory, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to conclude on this transaction, which safeguards the future of this market-leading international business. We wish the purchaser all the very best for the future.”
Woodall Homes marks year of growth following BGF investment
Derbyshire house builder, Woodall Homes, has marked a year of growth, just 18 months on from securing investment from BGF – the growth capital investor.
Woodall Group received a £4.25 million investment from BGF across 2020 and 2021 aimed at delivering more high quality homes in the East Midlands, and in turn, creating job opportunities.
In the last 12 months, Woodall Homes has grown its workforce and appointed a number of new starters, including directors in its planning department, Chris Dwan, and Darren Abbott, a technical manager, Mark Sweet, and a HR manager, Helen Day.
It has also started building on four new sites in Mansfield, Clay Cross, Matlock and Bolsover and recently launched a unique 45-home development in Calow, Chesterfield, called Churchfields. In addition, Woodall is on track to develop well over 100 new dwellings in this coming financial year, which will signal a doubling of the size of the business since BGF’s investment, while implementing new building processes, with a strong focus on improving property energy efficiency.
Dave Wood, founder and Managing Director at Woodall Group, said: “The achievements of the last 12 months have perfectly aligned with the vision we set out as a group when embarking on our investment journey with BGF.
“To be able to deliver on our goals, creating exciting job opportunities in the region, as well as helping to meet the demand for high quality, sustainably-built homes, is hugely satisfying and lays the perfect foundation for our longer-term growth plan.”
Aaron Baker is an investor at BGF and sits on the Woodall Group board. He said: “Woodall Homes has built a strong reputation in the region in the last decade and has expertly navigated the challenges that have arisen over the course of the last two years, as construction and real estate has felt the pinch of the Covid-19 pandemic, skills shortages exacerbated by Brexit, and the inevitable disruption to the supply chain. However, the market opportunity has endured, with a structural shortage of homes in the UK still an issue.
“To remain committed to building its land bank and accelerating development activity is testament to the strength and depth of the business and the management team. We’re excited about what the next few years have in store and the potential that exists in the residential development market.”
New CEO to oversee turnaround at MuscleFood
There’s a turnaround underway at e-commerce brand MuscleFood with returning CEO Nick Preston bringing in a renewed focus on brand and key values.
Previously a joint CEO, Mr Preston has been persuaded to rejoin the Nottingham-based company he left last December, and take sole charge with a remit to action change and restore pride.
The business will soon report a fall in revenue from £40m during Financial Year 20/21, to £27m in FY 21/22, with Mr Preston citing an unsuccessful rebrand, reduced focus on key trading areas and an expensive, delayed tech re-platform as contributing factors.
He previously spent six years at MuscleFood rising to joint CEO but left the business after feeling his voice was going unheard.
Now following on from the departure of several members of MuscleFood’s senior management team he has been tempted back to return to the helm, this time as sole CEO.
Since returning in June Mr Preston has set about commercially restructuring the business from top to bottom while at the same time setting plans for the future. Early results have been remarkable.
A recent internal HR Survey from across the business reported that 89% of staff reported that they felt Musclefood had a bright future and 96% felt that they were trusted to do their job.
At the same time, a renewed focus on the core Musclefood online Meat hamper business has seen the sales decline halted and sales increase.
Preston says: “It feels like Groundhog Day, for the second time in three years I find myself back in Musclefood saying the same thing – that the business had lost its focus, lost direction and suffered from mismanagement brought about by senior hires that didn’t get the brand. There was no accountability even when it was clear the plans were not working.
“The reason I have returned is because irrespective of recent performance, Musclefood is an amazing business and I know that if run correctly, can be turned around quickly. The team have now been given the freedom to do the jobs they were brought in to do and they are responding by delivering some great results.
“We have good control on the cost base and the business is now living within its means. This in my opinion gives us the perfect platform to take the business forward.”
Mr Preston admitted that some in his network had questioned his decision to return to MuscleFood but it is a challenge he relishes.
“MuscleFood has so much potential. There’s a tried and tested market for our products and we’re reconnecting with that. It would be true to say the brand lost its way and drifted backwards over the past couple of years but we are turning that around and going forward once again. I’m known for moving at pace and it’s an exciting time to be back involved.
“I know the business inside out and I’m putting together a core team of people who understand and care passionately about the brand.”
MuscleFood was founded in 2013 and quickly built a reputation for bulk purchases of quality meat and hampers at great value for money prices.
The brand also became well known for its healthy subscription meal plan Goal Getters which was followed by several high profile faces.
Healthy eating and value for money remain the brand’s key values and Mr Preston has pledged to put these at the forefront of the brand’s marketing as he steers it to recovery.
“My first priority has been on bringing in people who understand this brand and feel passionately about it. It’s all about restoring a sense of pride and identity. We will be focusing on our healthy eating offering and on the high quality of our meat and it’s incredible value for money.
“Times are difficult out there for consumers and we shouldn’t be afraid to champion and celebrate the fact we offer our customers a great deal when it comes to their food shop.”
Mr Preston is also the founder of DTS Food and creator of the ChillerFiller retail supply app. DTS supplies MuscleFood with several products. Their new Cookit meat and seafood range will soon be launched in Poundland, replacing other products which were recently the focus of negative press attention.
Mr Preston explains: “Our products offer both great value and super quality which makes them perfect for consumers who want to save money without compromising on quality. I’m excited to share the news of our partnership with Poundland.
“It’s products such as these which also built MuscleFood into a powerhouse of online retail. Consumers knew they could come to the website for both value and quality. That has always been the case but we lost our focus in communicating it.
“The healthy eating range accounts for around two thirds of MuscleFood revenue. We’re promoting that once again and it’s what we want to be known for first and foremost.”
