Civic celebration event for Forest after securing historic promotion
Nottingham has the opportunity to celebrate Forest’s famous promotion to the Premier League at a special event today (Monday) in Old Market Square.
Players and club officials will be showing off the Championship play-off winners trophy on the Council House balcony as part of a lunchtime celebration.
Comedian and lifelong Forest supporter Matt Forde and BBC Radio Nottingham commentator Colin Fray will host the event, which will include interviews with the players before the trophy is raised aloft to the crowd below.
Forest played out a thrilling game this afternoon against Huddersfield Town in front of a capacity crowd at Wembley – it was the club’s first trip to the new stadium since it opened in 2007 and their first major final for 30 years.
Tomorrow’s event will start at 1pm in Old Market Square and supporters are asked to arrive no earlier than 11.30am to ensure time for preparations.
The celebration falls on the first day of the school half-term holiday and is designed to be a family event. There is strictly no alcohol, flares or pyrotechnics – anyone caught with the latter may be subject to a club ban.
It is expected to be very popular and there will be road closures and diversions put in place, plus some temporary changes to bus services. Trams will not move through Old Market Square for a short time and services will terminate at Royal Centre and Nottingham station.
Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Forest secured promotion – it means a huge amount to the city after more than two decades outside the top flight.
“On behalf of the Council, I’d like to congratulate Steve Cooper, his players and staff, the club’s board and owners, plus the wonderful supporters who travelled down to north-west London today in their thousands to represent our proud city. We must recognise Huddersfield, too, who played so well on the day.
“This is a huge moment for Nottingham. We said last week that, beyond the sheer pride and joy that promotion brings, having a team in the Premier League offers the local economy an estimated £120m boost.
“We expect it could lead to an extra 100,000 people coming to the city as visiting football fans, as well as an increase in national reputation helping to attract students applying to our two universities and people looking for holiday breaks, along with extra spend by Premier League club staff and players.
“But above all that, this is simply a wonderful moment for Nottingham and we hope many Forest supporters, their families and city residents are able to join the players outside the Council House tomorrow. For those who unfortunately can’t attend, the event will be live-streamed.”
£5.9 million investment to refurbish Lincoln Central Market
City of Lincoln Council can confirm works to refurbish Lincoln Central Market have now begun.
Initial works began in April to the grade II listed Central Market following investment from Historic England through the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, which has enabled a programme of historic building restorations designed to revitalise the area and uncover the city’s rich history.
Some £5.9 million investment has also been earmarked for the project thanks to a successful bid for funding through the Be Lincoln Town Deal, which has seen £19 million awarded to the city by government to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth.
The market was first built in 1937 to the design of architect Robert Atkinson and incorporates the relocated façade of the original 1737 butter market which was located at St Peters at Arches in Lincoln.
The proposed scheme is for the major regeneration of the Central Market building, which will include:
- The opening up of the blind arches on the north and east elevations
- A new mezzanine floor and relocation of the existing butcher and fishmonger stalls into the main market hall under the mezzanine incorporating its own glazed entrance
- Replacement roofing and glazed lantern
- Demolition of the butcher’s corridor to the south of the building and the construction of a new two storey extension to accommodate a new restaurant with a roof terrace
- New heating and lighting in the building
- Freestanding stalls in the interior space of a contemporary, minimal design for local businesses to promote local produce and an area within the centre of the Market Hall to accommodate seating for the associated food outlets within the stalls.
- Unisex toilets including disabled and baby changing facilities
Lincoln Community lottery raises over £150k for local good causes
Launched by City of Lincoln Council in August 2018, Lincoln Community Lottery has now raised more than £150,000 for good causes located in and around the city.
Every supporter of the lottery has contributed to raising these funds, with 60 pence in every £1 ticket purchased going directly to local good causes.
Of this 60 pence, 50 pence directly goes to the supporters chosen good cause and 10 pence supports the Lincoln Lottery Community Fund. The remaining 40 pence in every £1 ticket contributes towards administration costs, prizes and VAT.
To date, 81 local good causes are benefitting from the lottery.
In 2021, £10,500 from the Lincoln Lottery Community Fund was awarded to five local good causes to deliver a range of activities aimed at supporting residents of the city. Those causes successful in securing a share of this funding in 2021 included Active Arena CIC, Development Plus, Busydays Day Care, Rhubarb Theatre and Building Resilience in Communities.
Cllr Sue Burke, Portfolio Holder for Reducing Inequality at City of Lincoln Council, said: “It is incredible to hear over £150,000 has been raised by the supporters of Lincoln Community Lottery so far.
“These additional funds have helped our local good causes to deliver a range of vital services to support the residents of Lincoln.
“This additional support has been particularly needed over the past two years due to the pandemic, and I would encourage more good causes to consider using the lottery as a tool to raise additional funds in the future.”
City of Lincoln Council is encouraging local good causes to join and benefit from Lincoln Community Lottery. There is no cost to a good cause to join the lottery, however, good causes will be required to meet set criteria to ensure the aims of the lottery continue to be met.
Young professionals in East Midlands gain recognition as finalists confirmed for Generation Next Awards
Some of the most promising young talent across businesses in the region has been recognised among the finalists of East Midlands Chamber’s Generation Next Awards 2022.
The second instalment of the awards, held in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby, recognise young professionals and business leaders aged under 35, as well as organisations led by people in this demographic.
A shortlist has now been revealed across the 10 categories, ranging from a Breakthrough Award and Customer Service Award through to marking Excellence in Innovation and Technology and the Generation Next Future Leader.
New prizes for this year recognise outstanding contributions in diversity and inclusion, arts and culture, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.
A virtual judging day will take place on 8 and 9 June, in which finalists will be interviewed by members of the chamber of commerce’s senior management team, Generation Next board and representative of the sponsor.
Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.
Lucy Robinson, East Midlands Chamber’s director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of the rising stars of business who make outstanding contributions to their communities.
“We received some brilliant applications from a diverse breadth of individuals, and our shortlist of finalists offers a glimpse into the amazing young talent that exists here in the East Midlands.”
Finalists were announced at an event held at Cosy Club, in Nottingham, last night (25 May) in which two of the three founders of Derby-based doughnut delivery service Project D – who won the Entrepreneur of the Year category at the inaugural Generation Next Awards – talked about their journey to date and hopes for the future.
Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.
Generation Next Awards 2022 shortlist
Future Leader Award (sponsored by University of Derby) Craig Evans – UKATA Matilda Swanson – Loates HR Mir Patel – Unique Window Systems Theo Kirk – Express Recruitment Emma Roberts – Derby Community Parent Programme CIC Dan Heffernan – D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership David Maran – MP Digital Limited Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions Umar Razah – Mauricare Homes Breakthrough Award (sponsored by Nottingham University Business School) Alpha Geek Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative Kate Johnson – Rate Social Sophie Redman – Linford Grey Associates Kevin Kapezi & Leo Worsley – Growthack Ltd Customer Service Award Danielle Harkness – Plastek UK James Hardwick – Future Life Wealth Management Anxhela Agaci – Gents of Notts Arran Gessey – Bam Boom Cloud Ben Wilkinson – MHA MacIntyre Hudson Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Loughborough College Emily Jacob – emh group Frank Hemmingway – Plastek UK Polly Oakes – Express Recruitment Rebecca Houlston – Cross Productions Ruby Birks – Purpose Media Diversity & Inclusion Award Fred Gough – University of Derby Jake Wood – Jake Wood PT Martin Croft – Barrister Link Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group) Adam Bamford – Colleague Box Alpha Geek Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative Kate Johnson – Rate Social Katie Gilbert – TTK Confectionery Excellence in Innovation and Technology Award (sponsored by Hardy Signs) David Maran – MP Digital Harsh Shah – De Montfort University Jack Hall – Scenariio Nicola Ciaessen – RSM UK Rachel Saunders – Duncan & Toplis Sustainability Award (sponsored by MHA MacIntyre Hudson) Carys Tetlaw – RSM UK Daniel Kelk – Plastek UK Jake Hall – Scenariio Creative Award (sponsored by PPL PRS) Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative Deng Yudan – Follow the Orient Joey Lever – Another World Media Katie Brennan – Cross Productions Sophie Price and Tom Dennis – My Town Vision Volunteer Award (sponsored by RSM UK) George Hanvere – Paragon Law Izzy Plummer – TTK Confectionery Taylor Gee – 360 Autoleasing East Midlands‘Overwhelming’ support to improve Junction 28 of M1
Consumer research conducted by Midlands Connect shows that the 82% of Ashfield or Bolsover residents surveyed would support improvements to upgrade Junction 28 of the M1 in Derbyshire.
Junction 28 has, in recent years, become famous for the number of queues which build up every day from vehicles leaving the motorway and either heading off towards Mansfield and Nottingham or down the A38 towards Derby. There are also concerns about the level of noise and air pollution from cars and HGVs that are at the junction, especially around rush hour.
The poll showed that 82% of respondents supported improvements being planned and just 6% said they did not.
Over half (51%) of respondents questioned said the improvements of Junction 28 would be ‘very important’ for many businesses in South Normanton and Pinxton, with 33% of respondents saying the same for residents in this area. A further 47% said this upgrade would be ‘quite important’ for businesses and for residents (55%), both in South Normanton and Pinxton. Compared to just 2% who said it would not be important to businesses there.
In Ashfield 89% of respondents said improving the junction on the M1 would be important* to residents, with this increasing to 94% when asked specifically to respondents from Ashfield.
80% of respondents deemed the project, in their mind, as levelling up and 83% supported the project of improving Junction 28 of the M1 even though we are in a climate emergency.
This scheme is a Midlands Connect priority project and we will be submitting it to the government for funding as our ask for third round of the Road Investment Strategy. We have created our shortlist of priorities through our programme of strategic studies, route strategies, specific areas of research and work with stakeholders. We ask for these schemes to be developed as part of Road Investment Strategy pipeline of schemes that may be built, if supported by government, in the third road investment period which runs from 2025 to 2030.
Commenting on the consumer research, Midlands Connect Head of Roads Swati Mittal said:
“These figures bare out what I heard at the recent roundtable hosted by Mark Fletcher MP, this scheme is overwhelmingly supported in the local community and is a key priority for Midlands Connect.
“We believe that this project will create jobs and generate economic benefits for the whole region, at the same time as maintaining our roads for today’s drivers. We will reduce our own carbon emissions, and support government’s ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said:
“Junction 28 is a busy interchange and gateway to and from the M1 for traffic travelling from Alfreton, Derby, Mansfield and Ashfield as well as the immediate surrounding area.
“It also serves the increasingly popular East Midlands Designer outlet and nearby Clover Nook Industrial Estate as well as other key employment zones in Nottinghamshire.
“We wholeheartedly support the bid for Government funding to keep this part of Derbyshire moving by easing congestion to improve journey times for businesses, commuters, residents and visitors alike and cut carbon emissions generated by vehicles caught up in lengthy queues.”
Commenting further, Mark Fletcher MP, Member of Parliament for Bolsover added:
‘’This data supports what I have been hearing from local residents in South Normanton and Pinxton since being elected in 2019 – that the project has overwhelming support from local community.
In March I held a junction 28 roundtable to bring together local businesses and politicians in support of this project and in the coming weeks I will be submitting a petition alongside the results I have received from my local survey to help strengthen the strategic business case.
These improvements are long overdue and are absolutely essential for the economic development of the region. Residents in Bolsover and Ashfield clearly agree it is a key part of our levelling-up agenda.
I look forward to working with Midlands Connect and other stakeholders to deliver this vital infrastructure project for the Bolsover constituency and wider East Midlands.’’
BHP Digital Finance appoints new senior manager
BHP has appointed a new senior manager to its Digital Finance team.
James Houseman has worked in BHP’s Tax team since 2020 and has extensive industry experience, including a previous role at McLaren Automotive where he worked as a Finance Manager prior to joining BHP.
James now joins the Digital Finance department, which supports businesses throughout their growth and development using the latest in accountancy technology. He said: “Digital finance is an exciting and fast-moving field. I’m delighted to be joining the team and look forward to sharing my experience.
“I’m keen to be part of the wider finance function and the problem solving that comes with this new role, which is something I really enjoyed being involved with at McLaren.
“I’m ready for the challenge of having a big team to look after and being a trusted business advisor for clients.”
BHP’s team of digital finance specialists has expanded substantially in recent months, adding five new starters since the beginning of the year, and now totals 39 people.
Dermot Lucid, Digital Finance Partner at BHP, said: “James has been a key member of the BHP team since he joined us two years ago and his tax expertise will be an asset to Digital Finance. I’m looking forward to seeing the team move forward and build on the huge progress we’ve made in recent months.”
Planning secured for almost 300 homes in Langold
A reserved matters planning application for 296 new homes in Langold has been approved by Bassetlaw District Council, North Nottinghamshire.
Having obtained the outline planning permission for the landowners, Pegasus Group have now secured the approval of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the development on behalf of Barratt Homes on land to the north and west of Chestnut Road.
Chris Calvert, executive director based in Pegasus Group’s Leeds office, said: “We are delighted that planning permission for this development has been granted.
“The client and the team worked very closely with council officers, making revisions to the scheme that were significant and directly addressed policies within the Neighbourhood Plan, while also meeting the technical and environmental constraints of the site.
“Ultimately, that collaboration has resulted in a development that will bring significant benefits to the community, including:
- 15% of the properties will be designated affordable housing, including some bungalows
- public open space, including the provision of a sports pitch
- the provision of new bus stops.”
Boost your business at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Boost your business, its reputation, and your team’s morale by entering the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022!
Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the annual awards attract leaders from across the region and are the perfect way for businesses to promote themselves and those they work with.
Award categories include: most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of opportunities to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.
After winning an award at the 2021 event, Allan Joyce Architects said: “We are delighted to have won Architects of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards. It is lovely for the whole team, who always work incredibly hard to create amazing designs, to be recognised in this way. It was wonderful to attend the event in person and to hear about all of the great projects happening in our region and the companies involved in them.”
To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Thanks to our sponsors:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome 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. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Leicester independent financial advice firm acquires clients of Mountsorrel business
Westerby Investment Management has completed an acquisition of the clients of the independent financial advice company, Blythin & Brown Financial Solutions Ltd (BBFS). BBFS is the financial services arm of Mountsorrel-based general business insurance broker Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers Ltd.
The completion of the acquisition this month (May) means Leicester-based independent financial advice company Westerby Investment Management Ltd will experience a significant increase in its funds under management.
As the deal was confirmed, Westerby Group Managing Director Steve Harvey said: “We are delighted to announce this client acquisition which will provide continuity to Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers Ltd.’s proposition.
“Having provided a financial advice solution to its customers for over 50 years, the Blythin & Brown ethos and synergy aligns perfectly with Westerby. We are looking forward to this exciting new chapter with Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers Ltd.”
Westerby Group chairman Les McLintic added: “Traditionally, Westerby has grown organically. This latest acquisition will not only boost that growth strategy, but it will also contribute to our long-term future in the industry for clients old and new.”
Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers Ltd.’s owners Jonathan Blythin & Richard Picton said: “With the intended retirement of Richard Blythin, we were looking for a safe pair of hands to expand our financial advice proposition via a strategic partnership. Choosing Westerby was easy because the synergy of independence, culture and service levels align.
“Also, having a long-standing relationship with Westerby cemented the decision. The Blythin & Brown team are looking forward to working closely with Westerby in our various professional propositions in the future to ensure continuity of service for our new and existing commercial and private insurance clients.”
The retention of staff will enable consistency whilst the two businesses are integrated. Westerby also assured Blythin & Brown Financial Solutions Ltd.’s clients and professional connections that the high standards of service and advice they are accustomed to will continue through Westerby’s professional services.
LLEP reaffirms support for partners as region moves towards next stage of County Deal negotiations
Interim chair Andy Reed OBE has reiterated LLEP support for local partners as they move forward in negotiations with Government over a proposed County Deal for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The LLEP will continue to work closely with the local authorities as they reach the best settlement for the local economy during talks over a potential Level 2 deal.
Leicestershire was one of nine areas to be invited to bid for a County Deal when the Government published its Levelling Up White Paper in February.
The extent of powers and funding to be devolved under County Deals will be pegged at one of three levels depending upon local circumstances – with Level 3 representing the greatest devolution of responsibilities.
Government requires Level 3 bids to have what it terms a Functional Economic Area. In the LLEP area this would have meant both Leicester and Leicestershire councils, with the possible addition of Rutland, operating under a single regional Mayor.
The first stage of negotiations with Government has concluded without agreement being reached for a Level 3 bid. Further negotiations will now take place over a proposed Level 2 agreement based on a non-mayoral combined authority in which Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s three upper-tier councils work together on regional projects.
Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton last week told councillors that the county council would continue working with all partners, including the LLEP.
Andy Reed OBE, interim chair of the LLEP Board, said: “We must accept the situation and that the region at least has the opportunity of bidding for a Level 2 Deal. As such, the LLEP will continue to work closely with partners including county, city and district councils to reach the best agreement for our local economy.”
The Levelling Up White Paper suggested that the future role of LEPs may change under County Deals. For example, existing LEP powers over spending on local infrastructure, such as large transport and building projects, could potentially be devolved to local authorities under the terms of a County Deal.
Government has stressed that LEPs will continue to play an important role. This could include serving as a business voice, managing skills and apprenticeships, or running growth hubs to increase productivity among small businesses. The LLEP has already committed to supporting Government as it introduces its Levelling Up agenda.
Meanwhile, the Government’s £2.6billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund launched in April and will start accepting its first funding submissions in June. It replaces EU structural funds and is designed to devolve funding to local authorities to invest in communities, local business, and people and skills.
Much investment in these areas has been delivered by the LLEP over the last decade and it is now in discussions with partners as they work together to achieve the ambitions of the 12 Missions set out in the Levelling Up White Paper.
Mr Reed said: “As we await further clarity on County Deal, we will continue working with partners to invest funding in infrastructure and projects as we make our area more innovative, sustainable and inclusive.
“We will also continue working hard to ensure the voice of business is heard locally and nationally and that its opinions and ideas help shape what a good deal would look like for the Leicestershire economy.”
Mr Reed said the LLEP remains focussed on supporting the best deal possible for local business and on integrating any future County Deal with minimum disruption for services.
“There is still a long way to go with the County Deal process and final details will be months and years down the line,” he added.
“In the meantime, we are very aware of the extremely difficult economic climate residents and businesses face in the immediate future.
“Both the LLEP and the Business Gateway Growth Hub will continue doing all within their powers to support people and businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire through the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
